虏
captive; capture; derogatory term for enemy
Meanings
4 senses · 17 examplesverb
to capture; to take prisoner
formalFormal and neutral term for seizing enemy personnel in battle.
Our army successfully captured three enemy scouts.
In this battle, we captured large quantities of weapons and equipment.
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The police successfully captured the fleeing criminal suspect.
In ancient battlefields, victorious sides often captured large numbers of prisoners of war.
The guerrillas planned to capture the enemy's grain and supplies.
noun
captive; prisoner of war
formalRefers to a person captured by the enemy in battle.
After the war, the two sides exchanged prisoners of war.
This captive was sent to the rear for interrogation.
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The Red Cross provided basic living supplies for the prisoners of war.
According to the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war must not be abused.
He was captured by enemy forces during the war and spent three years as a prisoner of war.
noun
ancient slave
archaicArchaic usage referring to enslaved people in ancient Chinese society.
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, prisoners of war were often used as slaves.
There were large numbers of slaves working on the estates of ancient nobles.
noun
derogatory term for enemy
literaryUsed in written and formal contexts to refer to enemy forces in a contemptuous way.
Our general angrily denounced the enemy and ordered a general attack.
The soldiers shouted slogans and charged towards the enemy positions.
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History books record the deeds of soldiers and civilians working together to repel the enemy.
Facing the invading enemy, we will never compromise or retreat.
The patriotic poet denounced the atrocities of the enemy in his poems.