A Capture Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

We use the term ‘capture’ when defining the act of taking or holding something in control. But there are other words to convey the same meaning in different contexts. Repeating the same word throughout a piece will only degrade the quality of the writing without engaging the readers.

Therefore, this capture synonym guide will help brush up your vocabulary knowledge with suitable synonyms and antonyms.

The Definition of Capture

‘Capture’ originates from French and dates back to Latin captura, where capt-, whichmeans “taken.” It refers to taking something in one’s possession or hold, usually by force. Capture could also mean recording something precisely, especially words or pictures.

Based on the dictionary, the term ‘capture’ mostly functions as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun occasionally.

Example Sentences

• The advertisement is meant to capture the audience.
• Rewards will be given to the one who can capture the attacker.
• The tribal people captured the child in the forest.
• One of our soldiers was captured by the enemy.
• Her portraits capture the essence of the traditional lifestyle.

Capture Synonym — Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

Some capture synonym examples are catch, apprehend, seize, arrest, seize, imprison, detain, and put behind bars. Other similar words include express, reproduce, represent, show, encapsulate, and record.

Catch

‘Catch’ comes from the Anglo-French or Old North French term cachier, meaning “catch, capture.” It means to prevent something from escaping. The term also describes holding or stopping an object in the air with the hands.

• The police should be able to catch the criminal soon.
• Throw the keys, and I will catch it.

Conquer

‘Conquer’ comes from the Old French conquerre, which dates back to Latin conquirere, meaning “gain, win.” It defines the action of overcoming or taking control of people or places by using military force.

• The enemy is advancing to conquer this part of the region.
• The Romans conquered the territories.

Seize

It originates from Old French seizir, meaning “give seisin” and Medieval Latin term sacire. It refers to suddenly taking hold of someone or something by force.

• The police tried to seize the gun from him.
• The kidnappers seized the child and drove away.

Arrest

‘Arrest’ originates from Old French arester, derived from Latin ad- meaning “at; to” plus restare, meaning “remain, stop.” It refers to taking someone into custody by legal authority.

• The police couldn’t arrest the suspects yet.
• He was arrested for possession of illegal goods.

Apprehend

The word ‘Apprehend’ originates from French appréhender and Latin apprehendere, where ad- means “towards” + prehendere means “lay hold of.” It refers to the act of arresting a criminal or suspect.

• The political leader was not apprehended despite the warrant.
• The thief was apprehended within hours.

Capture Antonyms — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Release

‘Release’ comes from the Old French noun reles and verb relesser, which stems from Latin relaxare, meaning “stretch out again, slacken.” It refers to not holding someone or something and setting it free from confinement.

• The member of the party demanded the release of their leader.
• The terrorists were trapped upon releasing the hostages.

Free

‘Free’ comes from the Old English frēon and frēoġan, meaning “to free; make free,” which also relates to Dutch vrij and German frei. The term refers to the state when someone is not under the control of another or is no longer imprisoned.

• Let’s set the birds free from the cage.
• He was free after 10 years of imprisonment.

Lose

The word ‘lose’ derives from Old English losian, meaning “perish, destroy,” and los, meaning “loss.” It means to be deprived of having or retaining something. It could also mean failing to keep hold of a valued possession.

• He will soon lose his power and position due to his actions.
• Did you lose the car keys?

Escape

‘Escape’ originates from the Old French eschaper, which was based on Medieval Latin ex-, which means “out,” and cappa, which means “cloak.” It refers to breaking free from confinement.

• The thieves escaped through the backdoor.
• The burglars attempted to escape the prison.

Liberate

The term ‘Liberate’ originates from the Latin liberat-, meaning “freed,” and the verb liber, meaning “free.” It refers to the act of setting someone free from confinement, oppression, or slavery.

• The army liberated the hostages.
• The soldiers fought to liberate the country.

To Wrap Up

Most of the terms mentioned in this capture synonym guide will be familiar to you even if you have an average vocabulary knowledge. Learning these terms will help you switch the right word in the proper context. This article explains the slight nuances of the synonyms and antonyms to help you place them in the appropriate context. To learn more terms related to ‘capture,’ a Thesaurus is what you need.