Captor - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Synonyms

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.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Writers often use the concept of a captor in stories to create tension, such as in thrillers or dramas.
Famous works like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' feature characters who are both captors and captives, exploring themes of revenge and freedom.
In fairy tales, villains often play the role of captors, taking heroes or heroines to dark places.

Psychology

The dynamic between a captor and their captive can create a power imbalance, leading to psychological effects for both parties.
Understanding captor behavior can be key in hostage negotiation tactics.
Studies show that captives sometimes develop feelings of empathy or loyalty towards their captors, a phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Silence of the Lambs' portray the complex relationship between a captor and their victim.
In TV series like 'Prison Break', the captor's motivations are often explored, adding depth to the characters.
Video games often feature captors as antagonists, creating a scenario where the player must outsmart them to escape.

History

Throughout history, captors have played a significant role in events like wars, where soldiers can be taken as prisoners.
In ancient Rome, captors who held enemy soldiers for ransom would often gain wealth and power.
The practice of taking captives has been a common tactic in tribal conflicts throughout human history.

Origin of 'captor'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'captor', meaning 'one who captures'.
It has roots in the word 'capere', which means 'to seize' or 'to take'.
The term has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century.

The word 'captor' originates from the Latin word 'captor', which means 'one who takes captive'. This is derived from the verb 'capere', meaning 'to seize, take'. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to denote any individual or group that captures another, particularly in a context of confinement or control. It has been used in literature and law to describe individuals involved in abductions or imprisonments, and has been especially relevant in discussions of human rights violations and crimes. The usage of 'captor' has been significant in both historical contexts, such as wars or slavery, and in modern narratives, where it highlights issues of power dynamics and agency.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,147, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24144 uncontrollably
24145 artless
24146 trebled
24147 captor
24148 blindfolded
24149 starched
24150 craggy
...

Captor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations