captor

noun

cap·​tor ˈkap-tər How to pronounce captor (audio)
-ˌtȯr
Synonyms of captornext
: one that has captured a person or thing

Examples of captor in a Sentence

The men fought their captors and escaped.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent developments about the investigation have largely come from media reports sharing the contents of two notes allegedly from Guthrie’s captors shared with news outlets early in the investigation. — Stephanie Murray, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Ferreira explained that their captors usually feed them white bread instead of the algae and tiny crustaceans their bodies require. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 In one case, a witness known as Kate reported that her captors had filmed her being raped by a dog—an extraordinary allegation. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 Up above, Pike takes a friendly approach in addressing the ship’s captors, led by Commander Cassell (Saffron Burrows). — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for captor

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin capere

First Known Use

circa 1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of captor was circa 1688

Rhymes for captor

See All Rhymes for captor

Browse Nearby Words

captopril
captor
captorhinomorph
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Captor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captor. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

captor

noun
cap·​tor ˈkap-tər How to pronounce captor (audio)
-ˌtȯ(ə)r
: one that has captured a person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on captor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for captor

Nglish: Translation of captor for Spanish Speakers

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