The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Arrest \Ar*rest"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Arrested; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Arresting.] [OE. aresten, OF. arester, F. arr[^e]ter,
   fr. LL. arrestare; L. ad + restare to remain, stop; re +
   stare to stand. See Rest remainder.]
   1. To stop; to check or hinder the motion or action of; as,
      to arrest the current of a river; to arrest the senses.
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            Nor could her virtues the relentless hand
            Of Death arrest.                      --Philips.
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   2. (Law) To take, seize, or apprehend by authority of law;
      as, to arrest one for debt, or for a crime.
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   Note: After this word Shakespeare uses of ("I arrest thee of
         high treason") or on; the modern usage is for.
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   3. To seize on and fix; to hold; to catch; as, to arrest the
      eyes or attention. --Buckminster.
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   4. To rest or fasten; to fix; to concentrate. [Obs.]
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            We may arrest our thoughts upon the divine mercies.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
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   Syn: To obstruct; delay; detain; check; hinder; stop;
        apprehend; seize; lay hold of.
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