capias: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Legal
Quick answer
What does “capias” mean?
A writ or legal order commanding the arrest of a person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A writ or legal order commanding the arrest of a person.
In legal contexts, specifically a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to take a named defendant into custody to ensure their appearance in court.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both UK and US legal systems use the term, though specific procedures and modern equivalents may vary. In the UK, it is more historically associated with writs; in the US, it remains in active use in some state jurisdictions for certain arrest warrants.
Connotations
Highly formal, archaic, and technical. Carries the weight of legal authority and compulsion.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of legal documents, court proceedings, or historical texts. More likely encountered in law studies or by legal professionals than by the general public.
Grammar
How to Use “capias” in a Sentence
The court issued a capias for the defendant.A capias was served on the accused.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in legal history or law courses.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Exclusively used in legal drafting, court documents, and by law enforcement in specific jurisdictions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capias”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capias”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capias”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They capiased him').
- Using it in non-legal contexts.
- Mispronouncing it as /kəˈpaɪəs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in legal contexts.
No, it is solely a noun. The related action would be 'to issue a capias' or 'to serve a capias'.
It comes directly from Latin, meaning 'that you may take', which is the first word of such writs in Medieval Latin.
In modern usage, they are often synonymous. Historically, a capias was a specific type of writ initiating an action and commanding arrest, while 'arrest warrant' is a broader, more contemporary term.
A writ or legal order commanding the arrest of a person.
Capias is usually formal/legal in register.
Capias: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪpɪæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪpiəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical legal term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CAPture IAS' – a legal document to capture someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (it compels action); THE LEGAL SYSTEM IS A MACHINE (with specific named parts/processes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'capias'?