attraper

Senses

1. 1.

   to catch

   to seize or grab someone or something in motion

2. 2.

   to contract (a disease or illness)

   to catch or get sick with an illness

3. 3.

   to catch; to get

   to arrive in time for, to board (a bus, train)

4. 4.

   to trap; to corner

   to catch someone in an awkward or compromising situation

Examples

• "Elle a attrapé le ballon avant qu'il ne tombe."

  She caught the ball before it fell.

• "J'ai attrapé un rhume la semaine dernière."

  I caught a cold last week.

• "Dépêche-toi, ou tu ne vas pas attraper ton train."

  Hurry up, or you won't catch your train.

Usage

Attraper is a common, everyday French verb with multiple uses. It is sometimes followed by the subjunctive in negative contexts (e.g., "attraper que" in older or formal usage), but modern usage typically uses the indicative. Avoid confusing it with prendre, which is broader and more formal.