ENGLISH
REFERENCE

capture

v. · n.
US //ˈkæptʃɝ// UK //kˈæptʃɐ// cap·ture
  1. 1 to seize by force (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to take a person or place by force, especially during a war or fight.

    to take into one's possession or control by force, stratagem, or artifice.

    Example

    The soldiers managed to capture the enemy fort after a long battle.

    Example

    Rebel forces moved quickly to capture the capital city before the government could organise a counter-offensive.
  2. 2 to record or film (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to record an image, sound, or moment so you can see or hear it later.

    to record or store data, images, or sounds in a digital or physical format for later retrieval.

    Example

    She used her phone to capture a beautiful video of the sunset.

    Example

    The high-speed camera was able to capture the exact moment the droplet hit the surface of the water.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to represent a feeling (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to succeed in showing a feeling or an idea in a book, movie, or painting.

    to represent or express a quality, atmosphere, or feeling accurately in a creative medium.

    Example

    The novel really captures the feeling of living in a small town.

    Example

    The photographer's latest collection perfectly captures the melancholy of the abandoned industrial district.
  2. 4 to take a piece in a game (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    to take an opponent's piece off the board in a game like chess.

    to remove an opponent's piece from the field of play according to the rules of a game.

    Example

    I managed to capture his queen, which helped me win the chess match.

    Example

    In a bold tactical move, she sacrificed her knight to capture the opponent's most valuable defensive piece.
  3. 5 the act of seizing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of catching someone or taking control of a place.

    the act of seizing or the state of being seized by force.

    Example

    The capture of the thief was caught on the security cameras.

    Example

    The sudden capture of the city-state sent shockwaves through the neighbouring regions, prompting an immediate diplomatic response.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French capture (noun), from Latin captūra. Displaced native Old English fenġ (noun) and ġefōn (verb).

Word family

© 2026 English Reference