B2verb 1K

Capture

UK /["/ˈkæptʃə(r)/","/ˈkæptʃəz/","/ˈkæptʃəd/","/ˈkæptʃərɪŋ/"]/ US /["/ˈkæptʃər/","/ˈkæptʃərz/","/ˈkæptʃərd/","/ˈkæptʃərɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

to catch a person or an animal and keep them as a prisoner or shut them in a space that they cannot escape from

Listen to definition

In simple words: To take something or someone and hold them.

Examples

• The photographer aimed to capture the beauty of the sunset.
• They decided to capture the moment with a quick selfie.
• The army was able to capture the enemy's stronghold after a long battle.
• He tried to capture her attention by waving his hands.
• The artist used vibrant colors to capture the essence of the city.
• We need to capture the data accurately for the research project.
• During the game, the player managed to capture the flag.
• They wanted to capture the spirit of the festival in their documentary.

Usage notes

Use 'capture' when you want to express taking control of something, either physically or metaphorically. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in situations that imply violence.

Grammar pattern

capture + object

Memory hint

Think of 'capture' as a photographer capturing a moment with a camera.

Collocations

• accurately
• perfectly
• beautifully
• try to
• be able to
• manage to

Synonyms

• catch

Antonyms

• release
• free
• let go

Common mistakes

• 'Capture' used without an object (e.g., saying 'I will capture.')
• 'Capture' confused with 'caught' in past tense.
• 'Capture' improperly used in place of 'seize' which has a different nuance.