catch
(redirected from catches)Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Idioms, Encyclopedia.
catch
seize or capture; trap or ensnare; contract, as a cold; a game where a ball is thrown from one person to another
Not to be confused with:
ketch – a sailing vessel with two masts
Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree
catch
(kăch, kĕch)v. caught (kôt), catch·ing, catch·es
v.tr.
1.
a. To get and hold (something that has been in motion) in a hand, the hands, a container, or an implement: caught the ball in the web of the lacrosse stick.
b. To take hold of, especially forcibly or suddenly; grasp: caught me by the arm; caught the reins.
c. To stop (oneself) from doing an action: I caught myself before replying.
2.
a. To capture or seize, especially after a chase: The police caught the robber in the next town.
b. To capture or take by trapping, snaring, or some other means: I caught three fish with that lure.
c. To take in and hold or contain: a pond that catches runoff.
3.
a. To discover or come upon suddenly, unexpectedly, or accidentally: He was caught in the act of stealing.
b. To become cognizant or aware of suddenly: caught her gazing out the window.
4.
a. To reach just in time; get so as to be carried by: caught the bus to town; catch a wave.
b. To overtake: The driver of the green car caught the leader on the straightaway.
5.
a. To cause to become hooked, entangled, or fastened: caught my hem on the stair.
b. To hold up; delay: was caught in traffic for an hour.
6.
a. To make contact with; strike: The boxer caught his opponent with a left hook.
b. To propel an object so that it hits (something): The center caught the back of the net with a hard shot.
7.
a. To become subject to or to contract, as by exposure to a pathogen: catch a cold.
b. To become affected by or infused with: caught the joyous mood of the festival.
c. To suffer from the receipt of (criticism, for example): caught hell for being late.
8.
a. To perceive suddenly or momentarily: We caught a glimpse of the movie star. I caught a whiff of her perfume.
b. To hear or listen to: caught the news bulletin on the radio; didn't catch the end of your sentence
c. To grasp mentally; apprehend: I don't catch your meaning.
9.
a. To go to see (a performance, for example): caught the midnight show.
b. To get (something required), usually quickly or for a brief period: catch some sleep.
10.
a. To attract and fix; arrest: couldn't catch their attention; caught the teacher's eye.
b. To reproduce or represent effectively: an impressionist who caught the effects of wind and water in his paintings.
11. To deceive: failed to be caught by their fraudulent schemes.
12. Baseball To play (a game) as catcher.
v.intr.
1. To become held, entangled, or fastened: My coat caught in the car door.
2. To act or move so as to hold or grab someone or something: tried to catch at the life preserver.
3. To be communicable or infectious; spread.
4. To become ignited: The fire caught.
5. Baseball To act as catcher.
n.
Phrasal Verbs: 1.
a. The act of catching, especially the grabbing and holding of a thrown, kicked, or batted ball before it hits the ground.
b. A game of throwing and catching a ball.
2.
a. A quantity that is caught: The catch amounted to 50 fish.
b. Something that is perceived or noticed: The mistake you found was a good catch.
c. Informal A person considered to be an attractive or admirable romantic partner.
3. A tricky or previously unsuspected condition or drawback: It sounds like a good offer, but there may be a catch.
4. A device for fastening something or for checking motion: The car's hood has a safety catch.
5. A choking or stoppage of the breath or voice: a catch in his voice.
6. A snatch; a fragment: could only hear catches of the song.
7. Music A canonic, often rhythmically intricate composition for three or more voices, popular especially in the 17th and 18th centuries.
catch on
1. To understand something: These students catch on quickly.
2. To become popular: Skateboarding caught on quickly.
catch out
To detect (another) in wrongdoing or error.
catch up
Idioms: 1. To move fast enough to attain the same progress as another; draw even: caught up to the leader on the last lap of the race.
2. To become equal or on a par with another: finally caught up with his brother in height.
3. To bring an activity to completion or to a state of currentness: catch up on correspondence.
4. To bring (another) up to date; brief: Let me catch you up on all the gossip.
5. To seize or lift suddenly: The wind caught up the umbrella and carried it off.
6. To involve, often unwillingly: was caught up in the scandal.
7. To captivate; enthrall: I was caught up in the mood of the evening.
catch fire
1. To ignite.
2. To become very enthusiastic.
3. To become the subject of great interest and widespread enthusiasm: an idea that caught fire all over the country.
catch it Informal
To receive a punishment or scolding.
catch (one's) breath
To rest so as to be able to continue an activity.
catch (one's) death
To catch a cold or other illness.
catch up with
1. To find or arrest after a period of pursuit: The police finally caught up with him in Omaha.
2. To have unpleasant consequences for, especially after a period of quiescence: mistakes that caught up with him when he ran for president.
catch you later
Informal Used to express good-bye.
[Middle English cacchen, from Old North French cachier, to chase, from Vulgar Latin *captiāre; see chase1.]
catch′a·ble adj.
Synonyms: catch, enmesh, ensnare, entangle, entrap, snare1, trap1
These verbs mean to take in and hold as if by using bait or a lure: caught in a web of lies; enmeshed in the dispute; ensnared an unsuspecting customer; became entangled in her own contradictions; entrapped by a convincing undercover agent; snared by false hopes; trapped into incriminating himself.
These verbs mean to take in and hold as if by using bait or a lure: caught in a web of lies; enmeshed in the dispute; ensnared an unsuspecting customer; became entangled in her own contradictions; entrapped by a convincing undercover agent; snared by false hopes; trapped into incriminating himself.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
catch
(kætʃ)vb, catches, catching or caught
1. (tr) to take hold of so as to retain or restrain: he caught the ball.
2. (tr) to take, seize, or capture, esp after pursuit
3. (tr) to ensnare or deceive, as by trickery
4. (tr) to surprise or detect in an act: he caught the dog rifling the larder.
5. (tr) to reach with a blow: the stone caught him on the side of the head.
6. (tr) to overtake or reach in time to board: if we hurry we should catch the next bus.
7. (tr) to see or hear; attend: I didn't catch the Ibsen play.
8. (tr) to be infected with: to catch a cold.
9. to hook or entangle or become hooked or entangled: her dress caught on a nail.
10. to fasten or be fastened with or as if with a latch or other device
11. (tr) to attract or arrest: she tried to catch his eye.
12. (tr) to comprehend: I didn't catch his meaning.
13. (tr) to hear accurately: I didn't catch what you said.
14. (tr) to captivate or charm
15. (tr) to perceive and reproduce accurately: the painter managed to catch his model's beauty.
16. (tr) to hold back or restrain: he caught his breath in surprise.
17. (intr) to become alight: the fire won't catch.
18. (Cricket) (tr) cricket to dismiss (a batsman) by intercepting and holding a ball struck by him before it touches the ground
19.
a. to grasp or attempt to grasp
b. to take advantage (of), esp eagerly: he caught at the chance.
20. (used passively) informal to make pregnant
21. catch it informal to be scolded or reprimanded
22. catch oneself on slang to realize that one's actions are mistaken
n
23. the act of catching or grasping
24. a device that catches and fastens, such as a latch
25. anything that is caught, esp something worth catching
26. the amount or number caught
27. informal a person regarded as an eligible matrimonial prospect
28. a check or break in the voice
29. a break in a mechanism
30. informal
a. a concealed, unexpected, or unforeseen drawback or handicap
b. (as modifier): a catch question.
31. (Games, other than specified) a game in which a ball is thrown from one player to another
32. (Cricket) cricket the catching of a ball struck by a batsman before it touches the ground, resulting in him being out
[C13 cacchen to pursue, from Old Northern French cachier, from Latin captāre to snatch, from capere to seize]
ˈcatchable adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
catch
(kætʃ)v. caught, catch•ing,
n., adj. v.t.
1. to seize or capture, esp. after pursuit: to catch a thief.
2. to trap or ensnare: to catch fish.
3. to take and hold (something thrown, falling, etc.): to catch the ball.
4. to surprise or detect, as in some action: I caught them cheating.
5. to receive, incur, or contract: to catch a cold.
6. to be in time to get aboard (a train, boat, etc.).
7. to lay hold of; clasp: He caught her in an embrace.
8. to grip, hook, or entangle: The closing door caught my arm.
9. to allow to become gripped, hooked, snagged, or entangled: He caught his coat on a nail.
10. to attract or arrest: to catch our attention.
11. to check or restrain suddenly (often used reflexively).
12. to see or attend: to catch a show.
13. to strike; hit: The blow caught him on the head.
14. to become inspired by or aware of: to catch the spirit.
15. to fasten with or as if with a catch.
16. to deceive: No one was caught by his sugary words.
17. to attract the attention of; charm: caught by his winning smile.
18. to grasp with the intellect; comprehend: I caught the meaning.
19. to hear clearly.
20. to record; capture: The painting caught her expression.
v.i. 21. to become gripped, hooked, or entangled.
22. to take hold: The lock won't catch.
23. to play the position of catcher in baseball.
24. to become lighted; ignite.
25. catch at, to grasp at eagerly; accept readily.
26. catch on,
a. to become popular.
b. to fathom the meaning; understand.
27. catch out, to catch or discover in deceit or an error.
28. catch up,
n. a. to overtake someone or something moving (often fol. by with or to).
b. to lift up or snatch suddenly.
c. to do enough so that one is no longer behind: to catch up on one's work.
d. to involve or interest intensely (usu. in the passive): caught up in the moment.
29. the act of catching.
30. anything that catches, esp. a device for checking motion, as a latch on a door.
31. any tricky or concealed drawback: There must be a catch somewhere.
32. a slight, momentary break or crack in the voice.
33. something caught, as a quantity of fish.
34. a person or thing worth getting, esp. a person regarded as a desirable matrimonial prospect.
35. a game in which a ball is thrown from one person to another.
36. a fragment: catches of a song.
37. the catching and holding of a batted or thrown ball before it touches the ground.
38. a musical round for male voices with the words in overlapping parts contrived to produce humorous or bawdy effects.
adj. 39. catchy (def. 3).
Idioms: catch it, Informal. to receive a reprimand or punishment.
[1175–1225; Middle English cacchen to chase, capture < Old North French cachier < Vulgar Latin *captiāre, for Latin captāre to grasp at, seek out, try to catch, frequentative of capere to take]
catch′a•ble, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Catch
the quantity caught or taken at one time; a fragment or scrap of anything; used figuratively.Examples: catch of fish; of songs, 1830; of favourite stories; of pretty stories, 1665.
Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
catch
Past participle: caught
Gerund: catching
| Imperative |
|---|
| catch |
| catch |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
| Noun | 1. |  catch - a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident; "it sounds good but what's the catch?"drawback - the quality of being a hindrance; "he pointed out all the drawbacks to my plan" |
| 2. | catch - the quantity that was caught; "the catch was only 10 fish" indefinite quantity - an estimated quantity | |
| 3. | catch - a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect | |
| 4. | catch - anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching); "he shared his catch with the others" object, physical object - a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow; "it was full of rackets, balls and other objects" | |
| 5. | catch - a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion) manner of speaking, delivery, speech - your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally; "his manner of speaking was quite abrupt"; "her speech was barren of southernisms"; "I detected a slight accent in his speech" | |
| 6. | catch - a restraint that checks the motion of something; "he used a book as a stop to hold the door open" bench hook - any of various stops on a workbench against which work can be pushed (as while chiseling or planing) doorstop, doorstopper - a stop that keeps open doors from moving detent, pawl, click, dog - a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward constraint, restraint - a device that retards something's motion; "the car did not have proper restraints fitted" | |
| 7. | catch - a fastener that fastens or locks a door or window fastening, holdfast, fastener, fixing - restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place hasp - a fastener for a door or lid; a hinged metal plate is fitted over a staple and is locked with a pin or padlock hood latch - a catch that holds the hood of a car shut hook - a catch for locking a door latch - catch for fastening a door or gate; a bar that can be lowered or slid into a groove | |
| 8. | catch - a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth; "he played catch with his son in the backyard" game - an amusement or pastime; "they played word games"; "he thought of his painting as a game that filled his empty time"; "his life was all fun and games" | |
| 9. |  catch - the act of catching an object with the hands; "Mays made the catch with his back to the plate"; "he made a grab for the ball before it landed"; "Martin's snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away"; "the infielder's snap and throw was a single motion"touching, touch - the act of putting two things together with no space between them; "at his touch the room filled with lights" fair catch - (American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled interception - (American football) the act of catching a football by a player on the opposing team reception - (American football) the act of catching a pass in football; "the tight end made a great reception on the 20 yard line" rebound - the act of securing possession of the rebounding basketball after a missed shot shoestring catch - (baseball) a running catch made near the ground interlock, interlocking, meshing, mesh - the act of interlocking or meshing; "an interlocking of arms by the police held the crowd in check" | |
| 10. |  catch - the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal); "the policeman on the beat got credit for the collar" | |
| Verb | 1. | catch - discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state; "She caught her son eating candy"; "She was caught shoplifting" surprise - cause to be surprised; "The news really surprised me" catch - become aware of; "he caught her staring out the window" |
| 2. | catch - perceive with the senses quickly, suddenly, or momentarily; "I caught the aroma of coffee"; "He caught the allusion in her glance"; "ears open to catch every sound"; "The dog picked up the scent"; "Catch a glimpse" perceive, comprehend - to become aware of through the senses; "I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon" | |
| 3. | catch - reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot; "the rock caught her in the back of the head"; "The blow got him in the back"; "The punch caught him in the stomach" hit - deal a blow to, either with the hand or with an instrument; "He hit her hard in the face" | |
| 4. | catch - take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of; "Catch the ball!"; "Grab the elevator door!" catch - be the catcher; "Who is catching?" harpoon - spear with a harpoon; "harpoon whales" fish - catch or try to catch fish or shellfish; "I like to go fishing on weekends" clutch, prehend, seize - take hold of; grab; "The sales clerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals" hook - catch with a hook; "hook a fish" intercept, stop - seize on its way; "The fighter plane was ordered to intercept an aircraft that had entered the country's airspace" catch up - reach the point where one should be after a delay; "I caught up on my homework" | |
| 5. | catch - succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase; "We finally got the suspect"; "Did you catch the thief?" | |
| 6. | catch - to hook or entangle; "One foot caught in the stirrup" attach - cause to be attached catch - cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled; "I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles" snag - catch on a snag; "I snagged my stocking" | |
| 7. |  catch - attract and fix; "His look caught her"; "She caught his eye"; "Catch the attention of the waiter"attract, pull in, draw in, pull, draw - direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes; "Her good looks attract the stares of many men"; "The ad pulled in many potential customers"; "This pianist pulls huge crowds"; "The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers" | |
| 8. | catch - capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping; "I caught a rabbit in the trap today" hunt, hunt down, track down, run - pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals); "Goering often hunted wild boars in Poland"; "The dogs are running deer"; "The Duke hunted in these woods" frog - hunt frogs for food bag - capture or kill, as in hunting; "bag a few pheasants" batfowl - catch birds by temporarily blinding them catch - take in and retain; "We have a big barrel to catch the rainwater" rat - catch rats, especially with dogs | |
| 9. | catch - reach in time; "I have to catch a train at 7 o'clock" catch up with, overtake, catch - catch up with and possibly overtake; "The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp" get - reach and board; "She got the bus just as it was leaving" | |
| 10. | catch - get or regain something necessary, usually quickly or briefly; "Catch some sleep"; "catch one's breath" | |
| 11. | catch - catch up with and possibly overtake; "The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp" catch - reach in time; "I have to catch a train at 7 o'clock" | |
| 12. | catch - be struck or affected by; "catch fire"; "catch the mood" change - undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature; "She changed completely as she grew older"; "The weather changed last night" | |
| 13. | catch - check oneself during an action; "She managed to catch herself before telling her boss what was on her mind" | |
| 14. | catch - hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers; "We overheard the conversation at the next table" hear - perceive (sound) via the auditory sense | |
| 15. |  catch - see or watch; "view a show on television"; "This program will be seen all over the world"; "view an exhibition"; "Catch a show on Broadway"; "see a movie"see - perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight; "You have to be a good observer to see all the details"; "Can you see the bird in that tree?"; "He is blind--he cannot see" watch - look attentively; "watch a basketball game" visualise, visualize - view the outline of by means of an X-ray; "The radiologist can visualize the cancerous liver" spectate - be a spectator in a sports event preview - watch (a movie or play) before it is released to the general public | |
| 16. | catch - cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled; "I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles" catch - delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned; "I was caught in traffic and missed the meeting" | |
| 17. |  catch - detect a blunder or misstep; "The reporter tripped up the senator" | |
| 18. | catch - grasp with the mind or develop an understanding of; "did you catch that allusion?"; "We caught something of his theory in the lecture"; "don't catch your meaning"; "did you get it?"; "She didn't get the joke"; "I just don't get him" understand - know and comprehend the nature or meaning of; "She did not understand her husband"; "I understand what she means" catch, get - apprehend and reproduce accurately; "She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings"; "She got the mood just right in her photographs" get - acquire as a result of some effort or action; "You cannot get water out of a stone"; "Where did she get these news?" | |
| 19. | catch - contract; "did you catch a cold?" contract, get, take - be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness; "He got AIDS"; "She came down with pneumonia"; "She took a chill" catch cold - come down with a cold | |
| 20. | catch - start burning; "The fire caught" catch fire, take fire, ignite, combust, conflagrate, erupt - start to burn or burst into flames; "Marsh gases ignited suddenly"; "The oily rags combusted spontaneously" | |
| 21. | catch - perceive by hearing; "I didn't catch your name"; "She didn't get his name when they met the first time" hear - perceive (sound) via the auditory sense | |
| 22. | catch - suffer from the receipt of; "She will catch hell for this behavior!" catch - be struck or affected by; "catch fire"; "catch the mood" | |
| 23. |  catch - attract; cause to be enamored; "She captured all the men's hearts"bewitch, captivate, charm, enamor, enamour, entrance, trance, enchant, capture, becharm, beguile, fascinate hold - hold the attention of; "The soprano held the audience"; "This story held our interest"; "She can hold an audience spellbound" attract, appeal - be attractive to; "The idea of a vacation appeals to me"; "The beautiful garden attracted many people" work - gratify and charm, usually in order to influence; "the political candidate worked the crowds" | |
| 24. | catch - apprehend and reproduce accurately; "She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings"; "She got the mood just right in her photographs" get, catch - grasp with the mind or develop an understanding of; "did you catch that allusion?"; "We caught something of his theory in the lecture"; "don't catch your meaning"; "did you get it?"; "She didn't get the joke"; "I just don't get him" reproduce - recreate a sound, image, idea, mood, atmosphere, etc.; "this DVD player reproduces the sound of the piano very well"; "He reproduced the feeling of sadness in the portrait" | |
| 25. | catch - take in and retain; "We have a big barrel to catch the rainwater" | |
| 26. | catch - spread or be communicated; "The fashion did not catch" | |
| 27. | catch - be the catcher; "Who is catching?" baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!" play - participate in games or sport; "We played hockey all afternoon"; "play cards"; "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches" grab, take hold of, catch - take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of; "Catch the ball!"; "Grab the elevator door!" | |
| 28. | catch - become aware of; "he caught her staring out the window" catch - discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state; "She caught her son eating candy"; "She was caught shoplifting" | |
| 29. | catch - delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned; "I was caught in traffic and missed the meeting" delay, detain, hold up - cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform" catch - cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled; "I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
catch
verb
1. capture, arrest, trap, seize, nail (informal), nab (informal), snare, lift (slang), apprehend, ensnare, entrap, feel your collar (slang) Police say they are confident of catching the killer.
capture free, release, loose, liberate
capture free, release, loose, liberate
2. trap, capture, snare, entangle, ensnare, entrap The locals were encouraged to trap and kill the birds.
4. grab, take, grip, seize, grasp, clutch, lay hold of He knelt beside her and caught her hand in both of his.
grab release, drop, give up
grab release, drop, give up
5. hit, strike, bang, clip (informal), slap, smack, whack He caught her on the side of her head with his fist.
6. become trapped, snag, become entangled Her ankle caught on a root and she almost lost her balance.
8. discover, surprise, find out, expose, detect, catch in the act, take unawares He caught a youth breaking into his car.
9. notice, see, note, spot, observe, recognize, perceive, detect, discern, mark She caught the puzzled look on her mother's face.
10. make out, get, follow, hear, take in, perceive, grasp, discern, apprehend Sorry, I didn't quite catch what you said.
11. engage, attract, delight, capture, charm, grip, fascinate, absorb, enchant, captivate, bewitch, engross, enrapture This award has caught the imagination of the public.
engage bore, disgust, alienate, repel, fail to interest, disenchant
engage bore, disgust, alienate, repel, fail to interest, disenchant
12. evoke, express, capture, conjure up, encapsulate His words caught the mood of the vast crowd.
13. contract, get, develop, suffer from, incur, succumb to, go down with The more stress you are under, the more likely you are to catch a cold.
contract avoid, escape, avert, ward off
contract avoid, escape, avert, ward off
noun
1. fastener, hook, clip, bolt, latch, clasp, hasp, hook and eye, snib (Scot.), sneck (dialect, chiefly Scot. & Northern English) Always fit windows with safety locks or catches.
2. (Informal) drawback, trick, trap, disadvantage, hitch, snag, stumbling block, fly in the ointment It sounds too good to be true - what's the catch?
drawback benefit, advantage, reward, bonus, boon
drawback benefit, advantage, reward, bonus, boon
4. marriage prospect, match All my friends said what a good catch he was.
catch on
1. (Informal) understand, see, find out, grasp, see through, comprehend, twig (Brit. informal), get the picture, see the light of day He tried to explain it to me, but it took me a while to catch on.
2. become popular, take off, become trendy, come into fashion The idea has been around for ages without catching on.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
catch
verb2. To come upon, especially suddenly or unexpectedly:
Informal: hit.
10. To gain control of or an advantage over by or as if by trapping:
catch up
1. To come up even with another:
2. To draw in so that extrication is difficult:
3. A person or thing worth catching:
Slang: brass ring.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
أُصِيبَ بِإمْساكٌ بِأمسكحيلَه، خِدْعَهسَقّاطَه، مَسْكَه
chytitchytit přichytitichytnoutháček
nåopfatteoverraskerammebegynde at brænde
siepatasolkitarttuaymmärtäähaka
uhvatitizaraziti se
becsípcsalafintaságelkaprajtakaptüzet fog
byrja aî logafá, smitastfengurfesta, festastfesting, læsing
･･･に乗る･･･に感染する･･･を捕るキャッチボールつかまえる
잡다...을 잡다따라잡다병에 걸리다
atkreiptiišgirstilengvai įsimenamaspašalinti iš žaidimopasivyti
aizbīdnisaizdegtiesiespiestievērtķēriens
západka
dohitetipripretirazumetiujetizatakniti se
fåfångahakehaspta
ขึ้นรถจับจับได้ ฉวยจับป่วยเป็นโรค
bắtbị bệnhchộp lấylên xe
catch
[kætʃ] (caught (vb: pt, pp))A. N
1. [of ball etc] → cogida f, parada f; [of trawler] → pesca f; [of single fish] → presa f, pesca f, captura f
good catch! (Sport) → ¡la cogiste! ¡bien hecho!, ¡bien agarrada! (LAm)
he's a good catch (as husband etc) → es un buen partido
good catch! (Sport) → ¡la cogiste! ¡bien hecho!, ¡bien agarrada! (LAm)
he's a good catch (as husband etc) → es un buen partido
2. (= fastener) → cierre m (Brit) (on door) → pestillo m (Brit) (on box, window) → cerradura f; (= small flange) → fiador m
3. (= trick) → trampa f; (= snag) → pega f
where's the catch? → ¿cuál es la trampa?
there must be a catch here somewhere → aquí debe de haber trampa
a question with a catch to it → una pregunta capciosa or de pega
the catch is that → la dificultad es que ...
where's the catch? → ¿cuál es la trampa?
there must be a catch here somewhere → aquí debe de haber trampa
a question with a catch to it → una pregunta capciosa or de pega
the catch is that → la dificultad es que ...
4. with a catch in one's voice → con la voz entrecortada
5. (= game) → catch-can m, lucha f
B. VT
1. (= grasp) → asir; [+ ball] → coger, agarrar (LAm); [+ fish] → pescar; [+ thief] → coger, atrapar
catch! → ¡cógelo!, ¡toma!
to be caught between two alternatives → estar entre la espada y la pared, no saber a qué carta quedarse
a toaster with a tray to catch the breadcrumbs → un tostador con una bandeja para recoger las migas
to catch sb's attention or eye → llamar la atención de algn
to be caught like a rat in a trap → estar atrapado como un ratón
catch! → ¡cógelo!, ¡toma!
to be caught between two alternatives → estar entre la espada y la pared, no saber a qué carta quedarse
a toaster with a tray to catch the breadcrumbs → un tostador con una bandeja para recoger las migas
to catch sb's attention or eye → llamar la atención de algn
to be caught like a rat in a trap → estar atrapado como un ratón
2. (= take by surprise) → pillar or coger or (LAm) tomar de sorpresa
to catch sb doing sth → sorprender or pillar a algn haciendo algo
to catch o.s. doing sth → sorprenderse a sí mismo haciendo algo
you won't catch me doing that → yo sería incapaz de hacer eso, nunca me verás haciendo eso
they caught him in the act → le cogieron or pillaron con las manos en la masa
we never caught them at it → no los sorprendimos nunca in fraganti
we won't get caught like that again → no volveremos a caer en esta trampa
he got caught in the rain → la lluvia lo pilló desprevenido
you've caught me at a bad moment → me has pillado en un mal momento
he was caught off stride or off balance → lo cogieron con la guardia baja
to catch sb doing sth → sorprender or pillar a algn haciendo algo
to catch o.s. doing sth → sorprenderse a sí mismo haciendo algo
you won't catch me doing that → yo sería incapaz de hacer eso, nunca me verás haciendo eso
they caught him in the act → le cogieron or pillaron con las manos en la masa
we never caught them at it → no los sorprendimos nunca in fraganti
we won't get caught like that again → no volveremos a caer en esta trampa
he got caught in the rain → la lluvia lo pilló desprevenido
you've caught me at a bad moment → me has pillado en un mal momento
he was caught off stride or off balance → lo cogieron con la guardia baja
3. (= contact, get hold of) I tried to catch you on the phone → traté de hablar contigo por teléfono
when can I catch you next? → ¿cuándo podemos quedar otra vez para esto?
(I'll) catch you later! → ¡nos vemos!
when can I catch you next? → ¿cuándo podemos quedar otra vez para esto?
(I'll) catch you later! → ¡nos vemos!
4. [+ bus, train etc] → coger, tomar (LAm)
we only just caught the train → por poco perdimos el tren
hurry if you want to catch it → date prisa si quieres llegar a tiempo
we only just caught the train → por poco perdimos el tren
hurry if you want to catch it → date prisa si quieres llegar a tiempo
5. (= hear) → oír; (= understand) → comprender, entender
I didn't quite catch what you said → no oí bien lo que dijiste
I didn't quite catch what you said → no oí bien lo que dijiste
6. (= see, hear, visit) [+ TV programme, film] → ver; [+ radio programme] → oír, escuchar; [+ exhibition, concert] → ir a
to catch the post (= be in time for) → llegar antes de la recogida del correo
to catch the post (= be in time for) → llegar antes de la recogida del correo
7. (Med) [+ disease] → coger, pillar, contagiarse de
to catch (a) cold → resfriarse
you'll catch your death (of cold)! → ¡(te) vas a agarrar un buen resfriado!
to catch a cold (in business deal etc) → tener un tropiezo económico
to catch (a) cold → resfriarse
you'll catch your death (of cold)! → ¡(te) vas a agarrar un buen resfriado!
to catch a cold (in business deal etc) → tener un tropiezo económico
8. (= capture) [+ atmosphere, likeness] → saber captar, plasmar
the painter has caught her expression → el pintor ha sabido captar su expresión
to catch the mood of the times → definir el espíritu de la época
the painter has caught her expression → el pintor ha sabido captar su expresión
to catch the mood of the times → definir el espíritu de la época
9. (= trap) I caught my fingers in the door → me pillé los dedos en la puerta
I caught my coat on that nail → mi chaqueta se enganchó en ese clavo
I caught my coat on that nail → mi chaqueta se enganchó en ese clavo
10. (= hit) to catch sb a blow → pegar un golpe a algn
the punch caught him on the arm → recibió el puñetazo en el brazo
I caught my head on that beam → me di con la cabeza en esa viga
she caught me one on the nose → me pegó en la nariz
the punch caught him on the arm → recibió el puñetazo en el brazo
I caught my head on that beam → me di con la cabeza en esa viga
she caught me one on the nose → me pegó en la nariz
11. (= receive, come into contact with) this room catches the morning sun → este cuarto recibe el sol de la mañana
her brooch caught the light → su broche reflejaba la luz
the light was catching her hair → la luz brillaba en su pelo
her brooch caught the light → su broche reflejaba la luz
the light was catching her hair → la luz brillaba en su pelo
12. to catch one's breath → contener la respiración
C. VI
1. (= hook) → engancharse (on en) (= tangle) → enredarse
her dress caught in the door → se pilló el vestido con la puerta
her dress caught on a nail → se le enganchó el vestido en un clavo
her dress caught in the door → se pilló el vestido con la puerta
her dress caught on a nail → se le enganchó el vestido en un clavo
2. [fire, wood] → prender, encenderse (Culin) [rice, vegetables etc] → quemarse
D. CPD catch cry N → slogan m, eslogan m
catch phrase N → muletilla f, frase f de moda
catch question N → pregunta f capciosa, pregunta f de pega
catch phrase N → muletilla f, frase f de moda
catch question N → pregunta f capciosa, pregunta f de pega
catch at VI + PREP [+ object] → tratar de coger or (LAm) agarrar; [+ opportunity] → aprovechar
catch on VI + ADV
1. (= become popular) → cuajar, tener éxito
it never really caught on → no logró establecerse de verdad
it never really caught on → no logró establecerse de verdad
2. (= understand) → caer en la cuenta; (= get the knack) → coger el truco
to catch on to → comprender
to catch on to → comprender
catch out VT + ADV (esp Brit) (with trick question) → hundir
to catch sb out → sorprender or pillar a algn
you won't catch me out again like that → no me vas a pillar así otra vez
we were caught out by the rise in the dollar → la subida del dólar nos cogió desprevenidos
to catch sb out → sorprender or pillar a algn
you won't catch me out again like that → no me vas a pillar así otra vez
we were caught out by the rise in the dollar → la subida del dólar nos cogió desprevenidos
catch up
A. VT + ADV
1. to catch sb up (walking, working etc) → alcanzar a algn
2. (= enmesh) we were caught up in the traffic → nos vimos bloqueados por el tráfico
a society caught up in change → una sociedad afectada por cambios
to be caught up in the excitement → participar de la emoción
a society caught up in change → una sociedad afectada por cambios
to be caught up in the excitement → participar de la emoción
B. VI + ADV to catch up (on or with one's work) → ponerse al día (en el trabajo)
to catch up on one's sleep → recuperar el sueño atrasado
to catch up with [+ person] → alcanzar; [+ news etc] → ponerse al corriente de
the police finally caught up with him in Vienna → al final la policía dio con él or lo localizó en Viena
the truth has finally caught up with him → ya no le queda más remedio que enfrentarse a la verdad
to catch up on one's sleep → recuperar el sueño atrasado
to catch up with [+ person] → alcanzar; [+ news etc] → ponerse al corriente de
the police finally caught up with him in Vienna → al final la policía dio con él or lo localizó en Viena
the truth has finally caught up with him → ya no le queda más remedio que enfrentarse a la verdad
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
catch
[ˈkætʃ] vb [caught] [ˈkɔːt] (pt, pp)
vt
[+ ball] → attraper
[+ train, bus, plane] (= take) → prendre (= be in time for) → attraper
We caught the last bus → Nous avons pris le dernier bus.
They had to rush to catch the bus → Ils ont dû se dépêcher pour attraper le bus.
We caught the last bus → Nous avons pris le dernier bus.
They had to rush to catch the bus → Ils ont dû se dépêcher pour attraper le bus.
[+ person] (by surprise) → surprendre
to catch sb doing sth → attraper qn en train de faire qch, surprendre qn en train de faire qch
If they catch you smoking → S'ils t'attrapent en train de fumer ..., S'ils te prennent en train de fumer ...
you wouldn't catch ... (= won't see)
You wouldn't catch me doing that → Je ne ferais jamais une chose pareille.
to catch sb with their pants down, to catch sb with their trousers down (British) → surprendre qn dans une situation embarrassante
to catch sb doing sth → attraper qn en train de faire qch, surprendre qn en train de faire qch
If they catch you smoking → S'ils t'attrapent en train de fumer ..., S'ils te prennent en train de fumer ...
you wouldn't catch ... (= won't see)
You wouldn't catch me doing that → Je ne ferais jamais une chose pareille.
to catch sb with their pants down, to catch sb with their trousers down (British) → surprendre qn dans une situation embarrassante
(= hit) → frapper
to catch sb's attention, to catch sb's eye → attirer l'attention de qn
to catch fire, to catch on fire (US) → prendre feu
to catch sight of → apercevoir
vi
[fire] → prendre
(= get entangled) → s'accrocher
vi
[competitor] → rattraper son retard; [worker] → se remettre à jour
I've got to catch up: I was away last week → Je dois rattraper mon retard: j'étais absent la semaine dernière.
to catch up with sb → rattraper son retard sur qn
I've got to catch up: I was away last week → Je dois rattraper mon retard: j'étais absent la semaine dernière.
to catch up with sb → rattraper son retard sur qn
(= exchange news) [friends] → se tenir au courant
to catch up with sb (= see again)
Neil, I'll catch up with you later, OK? → Neil, je te vois plus tard, d'accord?
to catch up with sb (= see again)
Neil, I'll catch up with you later, OK? → Neil, je te vois plus tard, d'accord?
vt [+ person in front] → rattraper
catch up on
vt [+ news] → se remettre au courant de
(= meet again) [+ friends] → retrouver
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
catch
vb: pret, ptp <caught>n
(of ball etc) to make a (good) catch → (gut) fangen; good catch! → gut gefangen!; it was a difficult catch → das war schwer zu fangen; he missed an easy catch → er hat einen leichten Ball nicht gefangen
(Fishing, Hunt) → Fang m; (of trawler etc also) → Fischzug m; he didn’t get a catch → er hat nichts gefangen; he’s a good catch (fig inf) → er ist ein guter Fang; (for marriage also) → er ist eine gute Partie
(= children’s game) → Fangen nt
(= trick, snag) → Haken m; where’s the catch? → wo liegt or ist (da) der Haken?; there’s a catch in it somewhere! → die Sache hat irgendwo einen Haken, da ist irgendwo ein Haken dabei; catch question → Fangfrage f
(Mus) Kanon für Singstimmen mit heiter-komischem Text
(= fragment) → Bruchstück nt
vt
object → fangen; batsman → durch Abfangen des Balls ausscheiden lassen
fish, mice → fangen; thief, offender → fassen, schnappen (inf), → erwischen (inf); escaped animal → (ein)fangen; (inf: = manage to see) → erwischen (inf); to catch somebody’s arm, to catch somebody by the arm → jdn am Arm fassen; she held it up to catch the light → sie hielt es gegen das Licht; glass which catches the light → Glas, in dem sich das Licht spiegelt; to catch sight/a glimpse of somebody/something → jdn/etw erblicken or zu sehen kriegen (inf); to catch somebody’s attention/eye → jdn auf sich (acc) → aufmerksam machen; to be caught between two people/alternatives → zwischen zwei Menschen/Möglichkeiten hin und her gerissen sein; he was caught between envy and admiration → er war zwischen Neid und Bewunderung hin und her gerissen
(= take by surprise) → erwischen, ertappen; to catch somebody at something → jdn bei etw erwischen; to catch somebody by surprise → jdn überraschen; to be caught unprepared → nicht darauf vorbereitet sein; to catch somebody at a bad time → jdm ungelegen kommen; I caught him flirting with my wife → ich habe ihn (dabei) erwischt, wie er mit meiner Frau flirtete; I caught myself feeling sorry for him → ich habe mich dabei ertappt, dass er mir leidtat; you won’t catch me signing any contract (inf) → ich unterschreibe doch keinen Vertrag; you won’t catch me in that restaurant (inf) → in das Restaurant gehe ich garantiert or bestimmt nicht; (you won’t) catch me doing that again! (inf) → das mache ich bestimmt nicht wieder!; you won’t catch me falling for that trick again (inf) → auf den Trick falle ich nicht noch einmal herein; aha, caught you → hab ich dich doch erwischt (inf); (with question) → ha ha, reingefallen (inf); caught in the act → auf frischer Tat ertappt; (sexually) → in flagranti erwischt; we were caught in a storm → wir wurden von einem Unwetter überrascht; to catch somebody on the wrong foot or off balance (fig) → jdn überrumpeln
(= take) bus, train etc → nehmen
(= be in time for) train, bus → erreichen, kriegen (inf); can I still catch the post? → kommt der Brief noch mit?; if you want to catch the 4 o’clock post … → wenn das mit der Vieruhrleerung mitsoll …; if I hurry I’ll catch the end of the film → wenn ich mich beeile kriege ich das Ende des Films noch mit (inf)
(= become entangled) → hängen bleiben mit; a nail caught her dress → ihr Kleid blieb an einem Nagel hängen; I caught my finger in the car door → ich habe mir den Finger in der Wagentür eingeklemmt; he caught his foot in the grating → er ist mit dem Fuß im Gitter hängen geblieben
(with stitches) → mit ein paar Stichen befestigen; to catch a dress (in) at the waist → ein Kleid an der Taille fassen
(= understand, hear) → mitkriegen (inf)
to catch an illness → sich (dat) → eine Krankheit zuziehen or holen (inf); he’s always catching cold(s) → er erkältet sich leicht; you’ll catch your death (of cold)! → du holst dir den Tod! (inf)
(= portray) mood, atmosphere etc → einfangen
to catch one’s breath (after exercise etc) → Luft holen, verschnaufen; to catch somebody a glancing blow → jdn seitlich erwischen; the blow/ball caught him on the arm → der Schlag/Ball traf ihn am Arm; she caught him one on the nose (inf) → sie haute ihm auf die Nase; you’ll catch it! (Brit inf) → es setzt was! (inf), → du kannst (aber) was erleben! (inf); he caught it all right! (Brit inf) (physically) → der hat vielleicht eine Abreibung bekommen! (inf); (verbally) → der hat aber was zu hören bekommen! (inf)
vi
(with ball) → fangen
(= get stuck) → klemmen, sich verklemmen; (= get entangled) → hängen bleiben, sich verfangen; her dress caught in the door → sie blieb mit ihrem Kleid in der Tür hängen
catch
:catch-22
catchall
n
(= phrase, clause etc) → allgemeine Bezeichnung/Klausel/allgemeiner Rahmen etc
catch-as-catch-can
n (Sport) → Catch-as-catch-can nt
catch crop
n → Zwischenfrucht f
catch
:catchpenny
adj (dated) → publikumswirksam, zugkräftig
catch phrase
n → Schlagwort nt, → Slogan m
catch question
n (inf) → Fangfrage f
catch quota
n → Fangquote f
catch
:catchweight
adj (Sport) → ohne Gewichtsklasse
catchword
n → Schlagwort nt
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
catch
[kætʃ] (caught (vb: pt, pp))1. n
2. vt
a. (ball) → afferrare, prendere; (fish) → prendere, pescare; (thief) → prendere, acchiappare, acciuffare; (bus, train) → prendere; (entangle) → impigliare
I caught my fingers in the door → mi son chiuso le dita nella porta
I caught my coat on that nail → mi si è impigliato il cappotto in quel chiodo
to catch sb's attention/eye → attirare l'attenzione/lo sguardo di qn
to catch sight of → scorgere
I caught my fingers in the door → mi son chiuso le dita nella porta
I caught my coat on that nail → mi si è impigliato il cappotto in quel chiodo
to catch sb's attention/eye → attirare l'attenzione/lo sguardo di qn
to catch sight of → scorgere
b. (take by surprise, person) → cogliere, sorprendere
to catch sb doing sth → sorprendere qn a fare qc
you won't catch me doing ... → non mi vedrai mai fare...
caught in the act → colto/a sul fatto
caught in the rain → sorpreso/a dalla pioggia
to catch sb doing sth → sorprendere qn a fare qc
you won't catch me doing ... → non mi vedrai mai fare...
caught in the act → colto/a sul fatto
caught in the rain → sorpreso/a dalla pioggia
d. (disease) → prendere, contrarre; (hit) → colpire
to catch cold → prendere freddo
to catch fire → prendere fuoco
the punch caught him on the chin → è stato colpito al mento con un pugno
to catch one's breath (from shock) → restare senza fiato (after effort) → riprendere fiato
you'll catch it! (fam) → vedrai!
to catch cold → prendere freddo
to catch fire → prendere fuoco
the punch caught him on the chin → è stato colpito al mento con un pugno
to catch one's breath (from shock) → restare senza fiato (after effort) → riprendere fiato
you'll catch it! (fam) → vedrai!
3. vi
a. (get entangled) → impigliarsi, restare impigliato/a
b. (fire, wood) → prendere
catch on vi + adv
a. (understand) to catch on (to sth) → capire (qc)
b. (become popular) → affermarsi, far presa
catch out vt + adv (Brit) (fig) (with trick question) → cogliere in fallo, prendere in castagna
to catch sb out in a lie → scoprire qn a dire una bugia
to catch sb out in a lie → scoprire qn a dire una bugia
catch up
2. vi + adv to catch up with sb → raggiungere qn
to catch up on one's work → mettersi in pari col lavoro
to catch up with the news → aggiornarsi
to catch up on one's work → mettersi in pari col lavoro
to catch up with the news → aggiornarsi
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
catch
(kӕtʃ) – past tense past participle caught (koːt) – verb1. to stop and hold (something which is moving); to capture. He caught the cricket ball; The cat caught a mouse; Did you catch any fish?; I tried to catch his attention.
2. to be in time for, or get on (a train, bus etc). I'll have to catch the 9.45 (train) to London.
3. to surprise (someone) in the act of. I caught him stealing (my vegetables).
4. to become infected with (a disease or illness). He caught flu.
5. to (cause to) become accidentally attached or held. The child caught her fingers in the car door.
6. to hit. The punch caught him on the chin.
7. to manage to hear. Did you catch what she said?
8. to start burning. I dropped a match on the pile of wood and it caught (fire) immediately.
noun1. an act of catching. He took a fine catch behind the wicket.
2. a small device for holding (a door etc) in place. The catch on my suitcase is broken.
3. the total amount (of eg fish) caught. the largest catch of mackerel this year.
4. a trick or problem. There's a catch in this question.
ˈcatching adjective infectious. Is chicken-pox catching?
ˈcatchy adjective (of a tune) attractive and easily remembered.
ˈcatch-phrase, ˈcatch-word nouns a phrase or word in popular use for a time.
catch someone's eye to attract someone's attention. The advertisement caught my eye; I couldn't catch the waiter's eye and so we were last to be served.
catch on1. to become popular. The fashion caught on.
2. to understand. He's a bit slow to catch on.
catch out1. to put out (a batsman) at cricket by catching the ball after it has been hit and before it touches the ground.
2. to cause (someone) to fail by means of a trick, a difficult question etc. The last question in the exam caught them all out.
catch up to come level (with). We caught him up at the corner; Ask the taxi-driver if he can catch up with that lorry; We waited for him to catch up; She had a lot of schoolwork to catch up on after her illness.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
catch
→ أُصِيبَ بِ, يَرْكَبُ, يُـمْسِكُ بِ chytit, nastoupit få, gribe, nå erkranken an, fangen, nehmen κολλώ, πιάνω, προλαβαίνω agarrar, atrapar, contagiarse, contraer, pillar, tomar nousta, saada, saada kiinni, siepata attraper, prendre uhvatiti, zaraziti se afferrare, contrarre, prendere, prendere al volo ･･･に乗る, ･･･に感染する, ･･･を捕る, つかまえる ...을 잡다, 따라잡다, 병에 걸리다, 잡다 krijgen, nemen, vangen få, få tak i, fange, ta łapać, złapać apanhar, pegar ловить, остановить, подцепить, поймать få, fånga, ta ขึ้นรถ, จับ, จับได้ ฉวยจับ, ป่วยเป็นโรค binmek, kapmak, yakalamak bắt, bị bệnh, chộp lấy, lên xe 抓住, 染, 赶Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
catch
vi. contraer; agarrar; coger;
___ an illness → ___ una enfermedad.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
catch
vt (pret & pp caught) (fam, a disease) dar(le) (a uno), pegar(le) (a uno), coger* , agarrar, contraer (form); I caught the flu..Me dio (pegó) la gripe..Cogí la gripe; to — one’s breath recuperar el aliento* potentially offensive in Mexico and much of Central and South America
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.