catch meaning | definition of catch at WebDictionary.co.uk

(noun) a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident; "it sounds good but what's the catch?"

the quantity that was caught; "the catch was only 10 fish"

a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect

anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching); "he shared his catch with the others"

a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion)

a restraint that checks the motion of something; "he used a book as a stop to hold the door open"

a fastener that fastens or locks a door or window

a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth; "he played catch with his son in the backyard"

the act of catching an object with the hands; "Mays made the catch with his back to the plate"; "he made a grab for the ball before it landed"; "Martin's snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away"; "the infielder's snap and throw was a single motion"

the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal); "the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar"

(verb) discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state; "She caught her son eating candy"; "She was caught shoplifting"

perceive with the senses quickly, suddenly, or momentarily; "I caught the aroma of coffee"; "He caught the allusion in her glance"; "ears open to catch every sound"; "The dog picked up the scent"; "Catch a glimpse"

reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot; "the rock caught her in the back of the head"; "The blow got him in the back"; "The punch caught him in the stomach"

take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of; "Catch the ball!"; "Grab the elevator door!"

succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase; "We finally got the suspect"; "Did you catch the thief?"

to hook or entangle; "One foot caught in the stirrup"

attract and fix; "His look caught her"; "She caught his eye"; "Catch the attention of the waiter"

capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping; "I caught a rabbit in the trap today"

reach in time; "I have to catch a train at 7 o'clock"

get or regain something necessary, usually quickly or briefly; "Catch some sleep"; "catch one's breath"

catch up with and possibly overtake; "The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp"

be struck or affected by; "catch fire"; "catch the mood"

check oneself during an action; "She managed to catch herself before telling her boss what was on her mind"

hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers; "We overheard the conversation at the next table"

see or watch; "view a show on television"; "This program will be seen all over the world"; "view an exhibition"; "Catch a show on Broadway"; "see a movie"

cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled; "I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles"

detect a blunder or misstep; "The reporter tripped up the senator"

grasp with the mind or develop an understanding of; "did you catch that allusion?"; "We caught something of his theory in the lecture"; "don't catch your meaning"; "did you get it?"; "She didn't get the joke"; "I just don't get him"

contract; "did you catch a cold?"

start burning; "The fire caught"

perceive by hearing; "I didn't catch your name"; "She didn't get his name when they met the first time"

suffer from the receipt of; "She will catch hell for this behavior!"

attract; cause to be enamored; "She captured all the men's hearts"

apprehend and reproduce accurately; "She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings"; "She got the mood just right in her photographs"

take in and retain; "We have a big barrel to catch the rainwater"

spread or be communicated; "The fashion did not catch"

be the catcher; "Who is catching?"

become aware of; "he caught her staring out the window"

delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned; "I was caught in traffic and missed the meeting"

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