Meaning 1neutral · 82%
Captured and held in custody so that a person cannot leave freely.
Natural examples
Der Spion wurde an der Grenze gefangen genommen.
The spy was captured at the border.
Die gefangenen Soldaten kamen nach dem Abkommen frei.
The captured soldiers were released after the agreement.
Die Polizei hielt den gefangenen Täter im Gebäude fest.
Police held the captured suspect inside the building.
Usage note
Gefangen here describes a person who has been captured or taken into custody; it is also the past participle of fangen.
Mini-lesson: gefangen
Captured and held in custody so that a person cannot leave freely. Gefangen here describes a person who has been captured or taken into custody; it is also the past participle of fangen.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «gefangen»?