'arrestive' originates from English, specifically formed from the verb 'arrest' plus the adjectival suffix '-ive' (from Latin '-ivus'), where 'arrest' ultimately comes via Old French 'arrest'/'arrester' and Latin components meaning 'to stand' or 'to remain'.

'arrestive' developed from Middle English usage of 'arrest' (from Old French 'arrester'), which itself derives from Vulgar Latin *arrestare (from Latin ad- 'to' + restare 'to remain, stand'); the modern English adjective was created by adding the suffix '-ive' to 'arrest'.

Initially related closely to the literal sense 'to stop or detain,' the adjective 'arrestive' has retained that sense but has also come to be used for the figurative sense 'striking' or 'attention-grabbing'.