About
The character 擒, meaning to capture or seize, is etymologically linked to its traditional form, which itself derives from an earlier character that originally conveyed the general concept of capturing or catching. Its structure combines the hand radical (扌) with the component 禽, which historically represented a net or trap for catching birds and later came to signify birds or fowl itself. This combination creates a more explicit semantic compound, clarifying the action as one performed by hand. Over time, the original character 禽 gradually specialized to mean "bird" or "fowl", while the meaning of physically apprehending or catching was carried forward and solidified in the newer, more specific form 擒, emphasizing the active use of the hand in the act of capture.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
警察擒获了小偷。
保安合力擒住了小偷。
猎人擒住了一头野猪。
他用擒拿术制服了疑犯。
经过一番追逐，疑犯被擒。
侦探通过擒获主谋破了案。
警方设下圈套擒获了逃犯。
趁着夜色，特种部队成功擒获了敌方特工。