TAKING CAPTIVES Meaning and
Definition
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Taking captives refers to the act of forcibly seizing individuals and holding them against their will, typically during conflict or warfare. This action entails the removal of individuals from their communities or surroundings, with the intent to deprive them of their freedom and subject them to the authority and control of the captor. The captives may include soldiers, civilians, or even high-ranking officials, depending on the objectives of the captor.
Taking captives has been a prevalent practice throughout history, utilized by various civilizations and nations as a means to exert dominance, exert control, extort ransom, obtain intelligence, or demoralize the enemy. During conflict, the capturing of prisoners can be seen as an essential strategy to weaken the opposing side by removing combatants from active participation. These captives are often subjected to conditions that are distinct from their normal living circumstances, frequently involving detainment in prisons or camps, isolation, physical abuse, or even death.
The act of taking captives is subject to extensive regulations and principles under international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war. These laws aim to protect the rights and well-being of detainees, establishing guidelines for their treatment, including the prohibition of torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, and ensuring their access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, water, and medical attention.
In summary, the term "taking captives" describes the act of forcibly seizing individuals during conflict or warfare, and subjecting them to the authority and control of the captor, often with the aim of exerting dominance, obtaining information, or demoralizing the opposing side.
Common Misspellings for TAKING CAPTIVES
- raking captives
- faking captives
- gaking captives
- yaking captives
- 6aking captives
- 5aking captives
- tzking captives
- tsking captives
- twking captives
- tqking captives
- tajing captives
- taming captives
- taling captives
- taoing captives
- taiing captives
- takung captives
- takjng captives
- takkng captives
- takong captives
- tak9ng captives
Etymology of TAKING CAPTIVES
The word "taking captives" consists of two key elements: "taking" and "captives". Let's explore the etymology of both words:
1. Taking:
The word "taking" is derived from the Middle English word "taken", which originated from Old English "tacan". The Old English word "tacan" means "to grasp, lay hold of, catch, capture". It is akin to the Old High German "zahan" and Old Norse "taka", which have similar meanings. The root of "taking" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "takaną", meaning "to take".
2. Captives:
The term "captives" comes from the noun form of the verb "captivate". "Captivate" originates from the Latin word "captivus", which means "captured" or "enslaved".
