recapture

American  

[ree-kap-cher] / riˈkæp tʃər /

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).

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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 British  

/ 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)

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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

Etymology

Origin of recapture

First recorded in 1745–55; re- + capture

Example Sentences

In midtown, Delmonico’s aims to recapture the power-lunch crowd and introduce a more modern twist on its historic brand, said Adam Plitt, the new executive chef for Delmonico’s Hospitality Group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

That’s the version of himself Arenas wants to recapture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Gold’s bumpy recapture of the $5,000 level this week seemed to get a boost on Friday as the precious metal pushed further above that closely monitored level.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

Seaport Research Partners upgraded Intel stock to Buy with a $65 price target, citing potential market share recapture in 2026.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Her husband’s wit, his musical talent, those exquisite long fingers so evident in any photograph imparted a gleam to her days that she was never able to recapture after his death.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• reclaim
• recover
• retake
• take back