Meaning and Usage
The verb '구속하다' primarily means 'to arrest' or 'to restrain'. It is often used in legal or formal contexts when referring to detaining someone, such as by the police. Beyond physical arrest, it can also mean to restrict or bind someone's freedom or rights, often used metaphorically in contracts or rules.
Common Collocations
- 구속하다 + 사람/범인: to arrest or detain a person or criminal.
- 자유를 구속하다: to restrict freedom.
- 법적 구속력: legal binding force.
Register and Nuance
'구속하다' is a formal verb, commonly found in news reports, legal documents, and formal speech. It is not used in casual conversation for everyday restrictions but rather for serious or official constraints.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing '구속하다' with '속박하다', which also means to bind or restrict but often has a more emotional or metaphorical nuance. '구속하다' is more formal and legalistic, while '속박하다' can imply emotional or psychological restraint.
Use '구속하다' when talking about legal arrest or formal restrictions to sound natural and precise.