Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Commanding attention; striking; eye-catching: Something described as "arresting" is so interesting, unusual, or impressive that it immediately captures and holds one's attention.

Usage

The adjective "arresting" is used to describe a person, thing, or quality that is visually or intellectually compelling. It often implies a positive, powerful impact that stops you and makes you look or think more closely. It is a formal or literary term.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She has an arresting presence that commands the room.
  • The documentary featured arresting footage of the deep-sea creatures.
  • The novel's opening chapter is truly arresting.

Advanced Usage

• "arresting beauty": A beauty that is so striking it seems to stop one's breath or thoughts.
  • The model was known for her arresting beauty, a combination of sharp features and intense eyes.
• Used in formal critique or description (e.g., in art, literature, performance reviews).
  • The critic praised the director's arresting visual style.

Variants and Related Words

• Arrest (verb): To stop; to seize (a person) by legal authority; to capture (attention).
  • The bright colors were designed to arrest the viewer's attention.
• Arrestingly (adverb): In a manner that commands attention.
  • The landscape was arrestingly beautiful.

Synonyms

• Striking: Very noticeable; attracting attention.
• Stunning: Extremely impressive or attractive.
• Captivating: Capable of attracting and holding interest.
• Compelling: Evoking interest or attention in a powerful way.

Antonyms

• Unremarkable: Not particularly interesting or surprising.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Forgettable: Easily forgotten, not memorable.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Arresting" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs or idioms. The related verb "arrest" is used in such constructions.) - Under arrest: (Phrase using the verb 'arrest') Having been seized by legal authority. - The suspect was placed under arrest. - Arrest someone's attention: (Phrase using the verb 'arrest') To capture someone's focus. - The sudden noise arrested everyone's attention.

Adjective

1. commanding attention
   • an arresting drawing of people turning into animals
   • a sensational concert--one never to be forgotten
   • a stunning performance