POW - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
POW stands for prisoner of war, referring to a person captured and held by an enemy during a conflict. It is commonly used in military and historical contexts.
Definition:
A prisoner of war, typically a soldier captured by the enemy during conflict.
Synonyms:
captive, detainee, internee
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
free person, liberator
Common Collocations:
POW camp, escaped POW, release POWs, treat POWs, rescue POWs
Derivatives:
POWs, powwow (unrelated but similar spelling)
Usage Tips:
Use "POW" as a noun to refer to captured military personnel in wartime contexts.
Common Phrases:
POW status, former POW, WWII POW
Etymology:
Abbreviation of "prisoner of war," first recorded in the early 20th century during World War I.
Examples:
- 1. The soldier became a POW after his unit surrendered.
- 2. The Red Cross visited the POW camp to deliver supplies.
- 3. Many WWII POWs endured harsh conditions in captivity.
- 4. Negotiations secured the release of dozens of POWs last month.