掳 (lǔ) - To capture & to seize

掳Tone 3

lǔ ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

掳 · lǔ

To capture;

to seize;

to take as prisoner;

to plunder.

To captureto seizeto take as prisoner

Usage highlights

Capture peopleSeize and take awayPlunder and lootTake captiveKidnap for ransomCapture prisoners

Synonyms

  • 俘— capture (as prisoner of war)
  • 掠— plunder, loot
  • 劫— rob, hijack

Antonyms

  • 释— release, set free
  • 放— let go, liberate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The enemy captured many civilians (掳走平民).
  • Pirates seized the ship and its cargo (掳掠船只).
  • The bandits plundered the village (掳掠村庄).
  • They were taken prisoner during the raid (被掳为囚).

Collocations

  • Capture people(掳人)
  • Seize and take away(掳走)
  • Plunder and loot(掳掠)
  • Take captive(掳获)
  • Kidnap for ransom(掳绑)
  • Capture prisoners(掳囚)

Idioms

  • Capture people and plunder goods(掳人掠货)
  • Plunder everywhere(奸淫掳掠)
  • Capture and kill(掳杀)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with warfare, banditry, and forced capture in conflicts.
  • Often appears in historical narratives describing invasions, raids, or kidnappings.
  • Carries strong negative connotations of violence, coercion, and lawlessness.

FAQ