WordGarden.iorecapture
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪkˈæptʃə/
US
- /riˈkæptʃər/
Meanings
Verb
to take back or regain control of something again
to bring back or reproduce a former feeling, quality, or effect
Noun
the act of taking something back again
the tax or legal recovery of previously deducted or untaxed amounts
Beyond the definition
To recapture something means to get it back after losing it, whether it is a physical object, a feeling, or even a place in someone's heart. Imagine a soldier recapturing a fort from the enemy; they are taking back what was once theirs. But you can also recapture a memory, bringing a special moment back to mind. Sometimes it means getting back a sense of control, like an artist trying to recapture their first inspiration after a creative slump.
The word points to something that existed before. It is not about finding something new, but about getting back what was lost. A historian might try to recapture the atmosphere of ancient Rome through research, while a chef might try to recapture the magic of a beloved family recipe.
Recapture means to regain possession of something that has been lost or taken away, or to revive a feeling, memory, or experience. It implies an intentional effort to reclaim something valuable that was once held but is now absent. For example, "The army launched an offensive to recapture the city" means they aimed to take back control from opposing forces.
However, recapture is not limited to physical things. You can also recapture a feeling, like joy or enthusiasm. The phrase, "She tried to recapture the excitement she felt as a child," suggests she was attempting to relive those positive emotions. It can even refer to regaining mental clarity or focus: "He struggled to recapture his train of thought."
The word carries a sense of effort and perhaps nostalgia. It is not simply finding something, but actively working to reclaim it. A writer might try to recapture the original vision for their story after receiving heavy edits, or a musician might attempt to recapture the magic of a live performance within a studio recording.
Historically, "recapture" was often used in military and legal contexts, such as taking back territory or catching escaped prisoners again. However, its use has broadened to include many situations where something lost is actively regained, whether tangible or intangible. If you are trying to reclaim something precious from the past, you are trying to recapture it.
Examples
- 1
Military action
Government troops recaptured the airport by dawn.
- 2
Police pursuit
Police recaptured the escaped prisoner a few hours later.
- 3
Film sequel
The sequel tries to recapture the humor of the first movie.
- Patternrecapture + feeling/quality
create or experience it again
- 4
Childhood memory
She returned to the village to recapture the peace she remembered from childhood.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business strategy
The company launched a cheaper model to recapture market share.
- Domainmarket share
the percentage of sales a company has in a market
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- recapture territory
- recapture an escaped prisoner
- recapture the lead
- recapture market share
Word family
Explore
- counterattack
- restoration of control
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- recapturenounverb
Forms
- recapturedpast tenseverbnoun
- recapturing-ing formverbnoun
- recapturespluralnounverb