arrestingly
|ar-rest-ing-ly|
/əˈrɛstɪŋli/
(arrest)
seize or stop
Etymology
'arrest' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arester', where the prefix 'a-' (from Latin ad-) meant 'to' and 'rester' meant 'to stay/stand (fast)'.
'arrest' changed from Old French 'arester' into Middle English 'arresten' and eventually became the modern English word 'arrest'. The adjective 'arresting' developed as a present-participle/adjectival use and 'arrestingly' is formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Initially it meant 'to stop or cause to stand fast', but over time it acquired additional senses such as 'to seize (legally)' and figuratively 'to attract or hold attention'; 'arrestingly' now means 'in a striking or attention-catching way'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to seize or stop (listed because 'arrestingly' derives from forms related to the verb 'arrest').
They arrested the suspect at the border.
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Adjective 1
having the quality of arresting attention; striking or attractive (this is the adjectival form from which the adverb is derived).
Her arresting smile made an immediate impression.
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Adverb 1
in a way that arrests attention; strikingly; so as to attract notice.
She entered the room arrestingly, and all conversation stopped.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 05:08