catch
Nab a ball
Catch was originally a verb and is more consistent in its verb meanings, most of which involve the idea of coming into possession of something, often suddenly, as when you catch a ball or catch a cold.
If you catch someone’s meaning, you understand it, even though it might not have been expressed clearly.
As a noun, the most central meaning of catch is something caught, as a good catch in football or baseball.
A catch can also be a concealed difficulty or complication: They’re serving dinner free but there’s a catch: you have to listen to a sales pitch.
Seize or understand
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
- snatchRapid forceful taking
- gripSecure manual hold
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
nab · snag · intercept · pluck · secure · apprehend · arrest · detain
Bat-and-ball team sport
- softballVariant with larger ball
- cricketChirping legged insect
- gloveFitted hand covering
- mittPadded hand covering
outfielder · flyball · pitcher · inning · diamond · batter · umpire · foul
Recreational hook-and-line pursuit
- hookCurved catching device
- lineContinuous mark or queue
- reelWinding cylinder or dance
- baitLure for prey
tackle · lure · fly-fishing · cast · rod · net · trawl · haul
Door-securing catch
- claspSecuring device that clicks
- hookCurved catching device
- lockMechanism requiring a key
- haspHinged metal fastener
bolt · buckle · clip · toggle · pawl · ratchet · safety · release
Inescapable catchy melody
- hookCurved catching device
- tuneMusical sequence of notes
- jingleBrief advertising melody
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
refrain · chorus · singable · memorable · infectious · addictive · hit · anthem
Device for catching prey
- netFinal amount remaining
- nooseLoop that constricts
- pitfallHidden danger or drawback
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
entrapment · booby trap · tripwire · decoy · lure · bait · mousetrap · cage
Temporary difficulty or snag
- problemMatter requiring resolution
- drawbackUnfavorable feature or flaw
- complicationFactor that adds difficulty
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
difficulty · impediment · setback · stumbling block · gotcha · fine print · loophole · caveat
Start burning something
grasp
Seize or understand
clutch · nab · snag · intercept · pluck · secure · apprehend · arrest · detain · collar
baseball
Bat-and-ball team sport
mitt · outfielder · flyball · pitcher · inning · diamond · batter · umpire · foul · tag
angling
Recreational hook-and-line pursuit
bait · tackle · lure · fly-fishing · cast · rod · net · trawl · haul · marlin
latch
Door-securing catch
hasp · bolt · buckle · clip · toggle · pawl · ratchet · safety · release · engage
earworm
Inescapable catchy melody
melody · refrain · chorus · singable · memorable · infectious · addictive · hit · anthem · pop
snare
Device for catching prey
ambush · entrapment · booby trap · tripwire · decoy · lure · bait · mousetrap · cage · pen
hitch
Temporary difficulty or snag
- problemMatter requiring resolution
- drawbackUnfavorable feature or flaw
- complicationFactor that adds difficulty
obstacle · difficulty · impediment · setback · stumbling block · gotcha · fine print · loophole · caveat · wrinkle
ignite
Start burning something
gasp
Sudden sharp breath
- catch upReach someone ahead
- catching upClosing a distance
- catch fireBegin combustion
- catch a coldBecome mildly sick
- catch onGrasp or gain popularity
- catches upReaches someone ahead
catching, catchy, catches, catch up, catcher, catchphrase, catch sight of, catchers, catchword