Meaning of the word catch in English

What does catch mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

catch

US /kætʃ/

UK /kætʃ/

Verb

intercept and hold (something which has been thrown, propelled, or dropped)

Example:

•

She managed to catch the ball with one hand.

•

The dog ran to catch the frisbee.

Synonym:

seize grab snatch grasp clutch

discover (someone) doing something wrong or in a compromising situation

Example:

•

The police managed to catch the thief red-handed.

•

I hope my parents don't catch me sneaking out.

Synonym:

apprehend capture detect discover expose

succeed in reaching (a person or thing that is moving ahead of one)

Example:

•

Run faster if you want to catch him.

•

We need to leave now to catch the last train.

Synonym:

overtake reach make get

contract (an illness)

Example:

•

I think I'm going to catch a cold.

•

It's easy to catch the flu in winter.

Synonym:

contract develop acquire get

Noun

a game in which a ball is thrown and caught

Example:

•

Let's play a game of catch.

•

The children were having a good time playing catch in the park.

Synonym:

throw and catch toss and catch

a hidden problem or disadvantage

Example:

•

The offer sounds great, but what's the catch?

•

There's always a catch with these too-good-to-be-true deals.

Synonym:

snag drawback pitfall trick trap

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