captor

noun

cap·​tor ˈkap-tər How to pronounce captor (audio)
-ˌtȯr
Synonyms of captornext
: one that has captured a person or thing

Examples of captor in a Sentence

The men fought their captors and escaped.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guthrie siblings post back-to-back videos addressed to captors The urgency to find Guthrie was apparent in an emotional plea posted in two videos released one day apart. Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Gardner says that these types of appeals, both to the public and would-be captors, play into the kinds of parasocial relationships from which Lindbergh also benefited in the search for his child. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026 His captors tormented him by saying that his family didn’t care about him. Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 Guthrie’s potential captor has yet to make contact with the family, according to authorities. Vivian Kwarm, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captor

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin capere

First Known Use

circa 1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of captor was circa 1688

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Captor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captor. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

captor

noun
cap·​tor ˈkap-tər How to pronounce captor (audio)
-ˌtȯ(ə)r
: one that has captured a person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on captor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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