recapture

[ree-kap-cher]

verb (used with object)

recaptured, recapturing 

1. to capture again; recover by capture; retake.

2. (of a government) to take by recapture.

3. to recollect or reexperience (something past).

noun

1. the recovery or retaking by capture.

2. the taking by the government of a fixed part of all earnings in excess of a certain percentage of property value, as in the case of a railroad.

3. International Law.,  the lawful reacquisition of a former possession.

4. the state or fact of being recaptured.

recapture

/ riːˈkæptʃə /

verb

1. to capture or take again

2. to recover, renew, or repeat (a lost or former ability, sensation, etc)

   she soon recaptured her high spirits

3. (of the government) to take lawfully (a proportion of the profits of a public-service undertaking)

noun

1. the act of recapturing or fact of being recaptured

2. the seizure by the government of a proportion of the profits of a public-service undertaking

Other Word Forms

• recapturable adjective
• unrecaptured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recapture¹

First recorded in 1745–55; re- + capture

Example Sentences

“And you gotta find moments to recapture what makes you a good basketball team. And I think over the last 24 hours we’ve done that.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was the look of a man that had recaptured the enjoyment of football.

Read more on BBC

These were accidents of history, not features of capitalism that can be recaptured with the right policies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Only four of the fugitives have been recaptured so far.

Read more on Barron's

However, the company looked ready to “recapture its losses,” Barron’s argued at the time.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• reclaim 
• recover 
• retake 
• take back