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

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".

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

Sativa says that on the fourth day after being taken, the violence continued as his captors transported him to the Katavi National Park, full of dangerous wild animals, and dragged him towards a river.

From BBC

Our captors said we would be there for decades.

From BBC

Related Words

• detainer 
• holder 
• jailer