# Stockholm

/ˈstɑkˌhoʊɫm/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stockholm
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the city

noun · CEFR B1

the capital and largest city of Sweden, located on the country's east coast.

For teachers: the capital city and most populous urban area of Sweden, serving as the seat of the Swedish government and the residence of the Swedish monarch.

- We spent three days exploring the old town and museums in Stockholm.
- Stockholm is built on fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the North'.

### 2. the Swedish government

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the government of Sweden.

For teachers: a metonym for the Swedish government or its official diplomatic stance.

- Stockholm has not yet commented on the new trade agreement.
- The decision was met with surprise by international observers, as Stockholm had previously maintained a policy of strict neutrality.

### 3. to bond with a captor

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

to start feeling sympathy or a connection with someone who is holding you prisoner.

For teachers: to experience Stockholm syndrome; to develop a psychological bond or affinity with an oppressor or captor.

- After being stuck in the elevator for hours with the grumpy repairman, I think I started to Stockholm a little bit.
- Critics argued that the protagonist had been Stockholmed by her kidnapper, making the romantic subplot feel deeply problematic to modern audiences.

Usage: Usually used in the passive voice or as a gerund.

Teaching tip: This verb use is highly informal and derived from the psychological term 'Stockholm syndrome'; it should be avoided in academic or formal writing.

## Examples

- We are planning a trip to Stockholm this summer.
- Stockholm is often called the Venice of the North because it is built on fourteen islands connected by many bridges.
- As the cultural and economic heart of Sweden, Stockholm hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies and serves as a global hub for technological innovation and sustainable urban design.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.