Tillfångta

Tillfångta is a Swedish verb meaning to capture or seize, especially by force or in contexts of conflict or law enforcement. In modern standard Swedish, the common infinitive form is tillfånga; tillfångta is generally considered archaic or dialectal and is rarely used in contemporary prose.

Etymology and form: the verb is formed from the prefix till- meaning toward or into, combined with fånga, “to catch.” The prefix adds a sense of bringing someone into custody or under control. The form tillfångta appears mainly as an older or regional variant rather than a standard modern form.

Usage and context: tillfångta is predominantly found in historical texts, older legal or military writings, and some regional dialects. In current usage, speakers typically use tillfånga. The appearance of tillfångta can signal a historical tone or literary style. Related terms include fånga and gripa as more common verbs for grabbing or seizing, and tillfångst as the act of capturing. For related nominal forms, Swedish uses tillfångst (the capture), and those who perform the act are usually referred to with other constructions rather than a fixed agent noun derived directly from tillfångta.

See also: fånga, gripa, tillfångst, tillfångstagning, tillfångare.