captor

[kap-ter]

noun

1. a person who has captured a person or thing.

captor

/ ˈkæptə /

noun

1. a person or animal that holds another captive

Word History and Origins

Origin of captor¹

1640–50; < Late Latin, equivalent to cap ( ere ) to take + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of captor¹

C17: from Latin, from capere to take

Example Sentences

His captors, who need him alive as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Israeli government, fear that local civilians would lynch an Israeli if they saw one.

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My husband is not a captor, nor do I own a seal suit, but I can relate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He told his former captors, Hamas, to sign the deal for "their people…and the Middle East... War is wrong and awful for both sides".

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This evolutionary gift adds a clammy disquiet to the eye-jacked livestock, which never rests and is constantly evaluating its captors and fellow captives.

Read more on Salon

Earlier videos of hostages released by their captors in Gaza have been condemned by world leaders and families as propaganda.

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Related Words

• detainer 
• holder 
• jailer