courted arrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courted arrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately engaging in behavior that is likely to lead to their arrest. Example: "His provocative speech at the rally seemed designed to court arrest, drawing attention to the cause he was advocating for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

My mother and many of her friends courted arrest in front of Parliament and were hauled off to police stations.

The New York Times

Imprisoned several times as a subversive, she courted arrest, once boasting, "I can raise more hell in jail than out".

The New York Times - Books

A nationwide strike swelled in the heart of the capital on Thursday afternoon as opposition leaders courted arrest and rallied sloganeering supporters to protest fuel price increases and other economic policy changes that the central government has sought to introduce.

The New York Times

And there must be a suspicion that, by advertising his visit, Irving courted arrest in the arrogant belief that he would be let off amid a blaze of publicity for his noxious views and his latest book.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We will court arrest.

The New York Times

The more cautious Mr Rafsanjani will not court arrest.

The Economist

After his three-day fast in Mumbai, he plans to travel to New Delhi and to "court arrest" by protesting outside the home of Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Congress party.

The New York Times

The South African Indian Congress, which had also been revitalized, helped the ANC organize a defiance campaign in 1952, during which thousands of volunteers defied discriminatory laws by passively courting arrest and burning their pass books.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His political career as a minority legislator lasted only four years, but he continued as a declared opponent of Mr. Mugabe for many years, courting arrest on charges of conspiring against the government.

The New York Times

In one of the most poignant and powerful signs, marginalized people themselves have been on the front lines of social protest under the mantra of "undocumented and unafraid," in some cases openly courting arrest and even deportation in the process.

Huffington Post

Some radical Indians make impassioned speeches talking about what Bal Gangadhar Tilak had done in India in the Swadeshi movement and suggest that the Indians in South Africa should court arrests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "courted arrest" when you want to emphasize the deliberate nature of someone's actions leading to their arrest, often as a form of protest or to draw attention to a cause.

Common error

Avoid using "courted arrest" when the arrest was accidental or unintentional. The phrase implies a degree of calculated action and awareness of the likely consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courted arrest" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action to provoke or invite arrest. It typically describes actions taken as a form of protest or civil disobedience, where the individual anticipates and, in some ways, welcomes the arrest as a means to an end. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "courted arrest" describes a deliberate action that increases the likelihood of being arrested, often as a form of protest. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct. While not overly common, this phrase is appropriate in news reporting, academic discussions, and other formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the arrest was indeed a likely and anticipated consequence of the actions taken. Consider alternatives such as "invited arrest" or "sought arrest" if a slightly different nuance is desired. The phrase is mostly found in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias", and "Academia".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Invited arrest

Implies a direct and intentional action to provoke an arrest.

Sought arrest

Highlights the active pursuit of circumstances leading to arrest.

Risked arrest

Emphasizes the potential danger and consequences of the action.

Provoked arrest

Focuses on the instigating nature of the actions taken.

Incited arrest

Suggests a deliberate attempt to trigger a response from law enforcement.

Deliberately got arrested

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct and less nuanced expression.

Intentionally got arrested

Similar to deliberately got arrested, but emphasizes the element of planning.

Arranged to be arrested

Implies a more calculated and organized effort to be arrested.

Orchestrated their own arrest

Suggests a high level of planning and manipulation of events.

Made a show of being arrested

Focuses on the performative aspect of the act, suggesting it was done for attention or publicity.

FAQs

What does "courted arrest" mean?

The phrase "courted arrest" means to behave in a way that is likely to result in being arrested, often deliberately as a form of protest or civil disobedience.

What can I say instead of "courted arrest"?

You can use alternatives like "invited arrest", "sought arrest", or "risked arrest" depending on the specific context.

How is "courted arrest" different from "risked arrest"?

"Courted arrest" suggests a more deliberate and intentional act, almost as if inviting the arrest. "Risked arrest" implies that arrest was a possible consequence of an action, but not necessarily the primary goal.

Is it always negative to say someone "courted arrest"?

Not necessarily. While being arrested is generally considered negative, the phrase "courted arrest" can also imply bravery or commitment to a cause, suggesting the person was willing to be arrested to make a statement.