What term describes the act of apprehending someone?

The term that accurately describes the act of apprehending someone is "arrest." This term specifically refers to the legal action taken by law enforcement to physically take a person into custody, typically due to suspected involvement in a crime. During an arrest, an officer is authorized to detain an individual and, depending on the circumstances, may place them in a secure facility.

In legal contexts, arrest signifies the formal recognition of an individual's involvement in criminal activity, often leading to subsequent legal proceedings. This process includes rights that the apprehended individual has, such as the right to be informed of the charges against them and the right to legal counsel.

The other terms refer to actions that have different legal implications. Detainment usually implies holding someone temporarily without necessarily charging them with a crime. Confiscation refers to the act of taking possession of property, usually associated with law enforcement seizing items rather than apprehending a person. Seizure is a term often used in the context of taking possession of property or evidence related to a crime, rather than involving the apprehension of individuals. Thus, the term "arrest" is the most precise choice when discussing the act of apprehending someone.