catch

catch · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To intercept and hold something moving through the air.

  2. 2.

    An act of catching something.

  3. 3.

    A hidden problem or disadvantage.

  4. 4.

    To capture a person or animal.

  5. 5.

    A device for fastening something.

  6. 6.

    To be in time for transportation.

  7. 7.

    A quantity of fish caught.

  8. 8.

    To contract an illness.

  9. 9.

    To understand or perceive.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    catch fire — to start burning
  • •
    catch someone's eye — to attract attention
  • •
    catch up — to reach the same level as others
  • •
    catch on — to understand; to become popular
  • •
    catch-22 — a no-win situation
  • •
    catch your breath — to rest and recover

Related words

Antonyms: drop, miss, release, throw
See also: catcher, catching, caught, throw
Synonyms: capture, grab, seize, snare, trap

Etymology

From Old Northern French cachier ("to hunt, chase"), from Latin captiare ("to try to seize"), frequentative of capere ("to take").