(ほかく)

ほかく
noun, suru verb
capture, seizure
1. capture, seizure, catching
The act of catching and taking hold of an animal, person, or object, typically by force or with a trap. Most commonly used for animals.
クマが捕獲(ほかく)された。
A bear was captured.
外来(がいらい)(しゅ)捕獲(ほかく)(すす)められている。
Efforts to capture invasive species are under way.
住宅(じゅうたく)(がい)出没(しゅつぼつ)したイノシシを捕獲(ほかく)するため、わなが仕掛(しか)けられた。
Traps were set to capture the wild boar that had been appearing in the residential area.

USAGE:
Primarily used for catching wild animals, especially in news reports about pest control, wildlife management, or escaped animals. Less commonly used for capturing enemy combatants or vessels. More formal than (つか)まえる (to catch).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 捕獲(ほかく)する: to capture
  • 捕獲(ほかく)される: to be captured
  • ()捕獲(ほかく): capture alive
  • 捕獲(ほかく)作戦(さくせん): capture operation

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (つか)まえる: to catch (everyday, general)
  • 逮捕(たいほ): arrest (for people, legal context)
  • 拿捕(だほ): seizure (of ships)