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DictionaryrecaptureTaking back
verb / noun

recapture

ree-KAP-cher/rikˈæptʃɝ/

To regain control of something previously held.

The basketball player recaptures the ball after an opponent knocks it loose.

East Asian basketball player recovers ball after opponent knocked it loose, regaining possession.
Etymology
reEnglishback, again
+captureEnglishto take or seize

Adding ‘back’ or ‘again’ to capture makes the taking a reversal of loss. The emphasis is on regaining possession, not simply obtaining something for the first time.

In context

Nebraska Library Commission33:06
they are called to recapture an escaped basilisk
NCompass Live: Best New Youth Books of 2010

More examples

  • The escaped horse's recapture brings relief to its owner.
  • The team hopes to recapture its lead before halftime.
  • Selling the property may trigger recapture of earlier tax deductions.

Forms

recapture · recaptures · recaptured · recapturing

Similar words

retake
Emphasizes taking possession again, often through force or competition.
recover
Emphasizes getting something lost back, without necessarily seizing it.
reclaim
Often implies taking back something one considers rightfully one's own.