Captor: meaning, definitions and examples

one who captures

A captor is a person or entity that takes someone or something captive. This term is often used in contexts involving abduction, imprisonment, or war. Captors may hold individuals against their will, usually for the purpose of ransom, political leverage, or coercion. The act of capturing usually implies an element of force or control. In stories, captors are often portrayed as antagonists who create tension and conflict.

abductor, capturing agent, kidnapper, prisoner-taker

Examples of usage

• The captor demanded a ransom for the release of the hostages.

• In the movie, the captor kept the protagonist chained in a dark room.

• The police caught the captor after a long pursuit.

• She managed to escape from her captor after weeks of being held.

• The documentary depicted the psychological impact on victims of their captors.