ap·pre·hen·sion 
(ăp′rĭ-hĕnshən)
(ăp′rĭ-hĕnshən)n.
1. Fearful or uneasy anticipation of the future; dread. See Synonyms at fear.
2. The act of seizing or capturing; arrest.
3. The ability to apprehend or understand; understanding.
[Middle English apprehencioun, perception, from Old French apprehension, from Late Latin apprehēnsiō, apprehēnsiōn-, from Latin apprehēnsus, past participle of apprehendere, to seize; see APPREHEND.]