Capture

/ˈkæptʃər/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To catch or seize something, especially after a chase or struggle.

/ˈkæptʃər/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To seize or take something by force.

The police captured the thief.

💡 Simply: To grab or take something.

More Examples

2

The camera captured a beautiful sunset.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers captured the enemy stronghold."

Photography

"The photographer managed to capture the perfect moment."

2

The action of taking something by force or skill.

/ˈkæptʃər/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of capturing something.

The capture of the fugitive made headlines.

💡 Simply: The act of taking something.

More Examples

2

His photography showcased the capture of light and shadow.

How It's Used

Hunting

"The capture of the lion was a major event."

Art

"The artist's capture of emotion in the painting was breathtaking."

Tip:Think of the 'capture' of a city in a war.

Idioms & expressions

capture the essence

To accurately represent the most important qualities of something.

"The novel captures the essence of life in the 1920s."

From Old French *capturer, from Latin capturam (nominative captus), past participle of capere "to seize, take"

Historically, the word has predominantly been associated with military conquests, but its usage has broadened to encompass a wider range of contexts, including artistic representation.

Memory tip

Think of a 'capturing' a flag in a game.

Base: capture
capturcaptuercaptre

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written