verb

catch

kach

verb

To capture or seize something moving, such as a ball or a fleeing person.

"She caught the frisbee with one hand."

"Police finally caught the suspect after a long chase."

To become infected with an illness.

"He caught a cold on the flight home."

To notice, understand, or hear something.

"Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"She caught the mistake before the report was sent out."

noun

A hidden difficulty or drawback in an otherwise appealing deal or plan.

"The offer sounded great, but there had to be a catch."

Something captured, especially fish.

"The fishermen brought in a huge catch that morning."

How to Use Catch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grab hold of something in motion, to pick up on something with your senses, or (as a noun) a hidden downside to a deal.

Common mistake

The past tense is "caught," not "catched."

Common pairings

catch a cold catch someone's eye what's the catch

Word Forms

caught past tense, catched past tense, catches plural, catch plural, caught plural, catched plural, catches singular, catch singular, caught singular, catched singular, catchest singular, catchedst singular, caughtest singular, catcheth singular

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Etymology

From Anglo-Norman cachier, a variant of Old French chacier — the same root that gave English "chase."

Synonyms

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seizure capture collar snatch grasp haul take grab fang snare hook

Antonyms

drop release

Related Words

free abandon abdicate Fanny take increase kill give

Rhymes for catch

tch etch itch Dutch batch pitch watch witch hutch hatch ditch match

See all rhymes for catch →

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seizure capture collar snatch grasp haul take grab fang snare hook drop