catch
UK: kætʃ | US: kætʃ
vt. to seize or capture something in motion
vt. to intercept and hold (e.g., a ball)
vt. to discover unexpectedly (e.g., "catch someone in the act")
vi. to become entangled or stuck (e.g., "her sleeve caught on the door")
n. an act of catching (e.g., "a spectacular catch")
The word "catch" traces back to Latin captare ("to grasp"), which evolved into Old French chacier ("to chase") and later Old English cacehen. The modern spelling "catch" emerged in Middle English, blending the sense of pursuit ("cat-") with the action suffix "-ch." The logic reflects a shift from literal hunting (chasing prey) to broader meanings like interception or discovery.
The cat tried to catch the mouse but missed.
She caught the ball with one hand.
The police caught the thief red-handed.
His coat caught on a nail as he walked by.
That was an impressive catch during the game!