'arrest' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arester,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'rester' meant 'to stop or remain.'

'arester' transformed into the Middle English word 'arresten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'arrest.'

Initially, it meant 'to stop or remain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to capture or attract attention.'