catchable

catch ► VERB (past and past part. caught) 1) intercept and hold (something thrown, propelled, or dropped). 2) seize or take hold of. 3) capture after a chase or in a trap, net, etc. 4) be in time to board (a train, bus, etc.) or to see (a person, programme, etc.). 5) entangle or become entangled: she caught her foot in the bedspread. 6) (be caught in) unexpectedly find oneself in (an unwelcome situation). 7) surprise (someone) in an awkward or incriminating situation. 8) engage (a person's interest or imagination). 9) perceive, hear, or understand: he said something Jess couldn't catch. 10) strike (someone or a part of one's body). 11) become infected with (an illness). 12) ignite and start burning. 13) Cricket dismiss (a batsman) by catching the ball before it touches the ground.

► NOUN 1) an act of catching. 2) a device for securing a door, window, etc. 3) a hidden problem or disadvantage. 4) an unevenness in a person's voice caused by emotion. 5) informal a person considered desirable as a partner or spouse. 6) an amount of fish caught.

● catch one's breath — Cf. ↑catch one's breath

● catch someone's eye — Cf. ↑catch someone's eye

● catch the light — Cf. ↑catch the light

● catch on — Cf. ↑catch on

● catch out — Cf. ↑catch out

● catch the sun — Cf. ↑catch the sun

● catch up — Cf. ↑catch up

DERIVATIVES catchable adjective catcher noun.

ORIGIN Old French chacier, from Latin captare 'try to catch' .