WordGarden.iocapture
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈæptʃə/
US
- /ˈkæptʃər/
Meanings
Verb
to catch, seize, or take control of someone or something
to record or save an image, sound, video, or data
to represent or express a quality, feeling, or moment well
More meaningsFewer meanings
to attract and hold someone's attention or interest
Noun
an act or instance of catching, seizing, or taking control
a recorded image, video, audio clip, or stored data item
Beyond the definition
To capture something isn't always about grabbing it with your hands. It can mean taking control of a place—like capturing a fort in a game—or catching something that might otherwise escape. But it can also mean successfully recording something, like capturing a beautiful sunset with your camera. Artists try to capture light in a painting; speakers capture attention with a clever line. The word suggests bringing something within your control, whether it's tangible or intangible.
The word "capture" holds a fascinating range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of taking possession or gaining control. Originally, it meant to seize someone physically – think pirates capturing prisoners or soldiers capturing enemy territory. This sense of forceful acquisition remains strong: "The army captured the city after a long siege."
However, capture has expanded beyond physical seizure. It can mean to record something, like a photograph capturing a moment in time. "She skillfully captured the light and shadow in her painting." Or it could be about attracting or holding someone's attention: "The speaker quickly captured the audience with his compelling story."
Capture often highlights the moment something is successfully obtained. A detective might try to capture a criminal, and a scientist might strive to capture data from an experiment. It can even be used figuratively to describe being deeply affected by something: "He was completely captured by the beauty of the music."
Interestingly, "capture" also has roots in the idea of trapping or ensnaring—like capturing wild animals. This sense is still present in phrases like "capture someone's heart," meaning to make someone fall deeply in love.
So whether it's a fortress, a photograph, an audience's attention, or even a feeling, to capture something means to bring it under your control, preserve it in a record, or express it so clearly that it feels held in place.
Examples
- 1
Crime
The police captured the suspect after a short chase.
- 2
Photography
She used her phone to capture the sunset.
- 3
Audio recording
The microphone didn't capture his voice clearly.
- 4
Film portrayal
The film captures everyday life in a small fishing town.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Attention
The opening scene immediately captures your attention.
- 6
Feelings
It's hard to capture how nervous he was before the interview.
- Patterncapture how someone feels
express that feeling accurately
- 7
Market share
The company is trying to capture a larger share of the market.
- 8
Location data
The app captures your location so it can recommend nearby cafes.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- capturenounverb
Forms
- capturedpast tenseverbnoun
- capturing-ing formverbnoun
- capturespluralnounverb