Dictionary

de-arrest en · VERB

Etymology

From de- + arrest.

Meanings

1. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of dearrest.
   alt of dearrest
   • There is a question mark over how disruptive that was, in the great scheme of things, but it was enough for the police to arrest and handcuff him, later to de-arrest him on the understanding that he would be questioned in the future. 2022 September 12, Zoe Williams, “Why are people getting arrested in Britain for being republicans?”, in The Guardian:
   • During the main pro-Palestinian protest march, a further man was arrested for assault during an altercation between protesters and counter protesters in order to prevent a breach of the peace. After officers fully reviewed footage provided of the incident he was later de-arrested. 2024 March 9, Metropolitan Police, “Update on Met public order policing on 9 March”, in Policing operation, archived from the original on 11 Mar 2024:
   • There was no harm in arresting the man, Reggie supposed, she could always de-arrest him later if it turned out he hadn't actually committed a crime, although what were the chances of that, given the circumstances they all found themselves in? 2019, Kate Atkinson, Big Sky, →ISBN, page 306:
   • Around midday, a 28-year-old local man was briefly arrested after he came close to the prime minister's group who had just left the Civic Hall in Leeds. No threats were made, and after the man's details were checked, he was de-arrested and allowed on his way. 2014 October 27, BBC, “Jogger in PM security alert had 'no idea' what happened”, in BBC News:

Forms