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

Aiming to “recapture that initial wonderment and whimsy,” he’s been going back for more than 10 years, always looking for “some kind of new and out-of-my-comfort-zone mischief.”

From Los Angeles Times

The finale’s script has a lot of lines worthy of stitching on throw pillows, but one of my favorites is when Joe apologizes to Wendy for helping his former military buddies get them recaptured.

From Salon

The Royal Exchange receives the highest Arts Council England funding of any theatre after the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and is hoping to recapture former glories after a troubled few years.

From BBC

It gets us on the topic of reboots — and my hesitation with Hollywood’s proclivity to try to recapture lightning in a bottle.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s impossible to recapture the magic of the first season, but Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ Season 2, starring Jenna Ortega, bristles with its own ghoulish charm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reclaim 
• recover 
• retake 
• take back