capture

/ˈkæptʃər/
verbIntermediate
general

To take control of or seize something, especially by force or skill.

The soldiers captured the enemy's stronghold.

The soldiers took control of the enemy's fortified position.

The software can capture screenshots automatically.

The software can take screenshots without manual input.

💡

Can be used both literally and metaphorically.

💻Technology
technical

To record or record something, such as an image, sound, or data.

The camera captured the moment perfectly.

The camera recorded the moment with high quality.

The software captures user interactions for analysis.

The software records user actions to study them.

💡

Common in digital and technical contexts.

Collocations

capture the momentto record a significant or beautiful momentcapture attentionto attract or hold someone's attentioncapture datato collect and record data

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

capture the flagphrase
a game where players try to seize a flag from the opposing team
capture the marketphrase
to dominate a market or industry

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Metaphorical Use

Be mindful of the context to determine whether 'capture' is used literally (taking control) or metaphorically (recording or capturing something abstract).

Gold Rule

Common Collocations

'Capture' is often used with 'moment', 'attention', and 'data'. Learn these collocations to use the word naturally.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'capturen', from Old French 'capturer', from Latin 'captura', from 'capere' meaning 'to take'.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (taking physical control) and metaphorically (recording or capturing something abstract).

Word Breakdown

cap
to take or seize
root
+
-ture
action or process
suffix
English Dictionary