prisoner of war

noun

1. a person who is captured and held by an enemy during war, especially a member of the armed forces. POW

prisoner of war

noun

1. POW. a person, esp a serviceman, captured by an enemy in time of war

Word History and Origins

Origin of prisoner of war¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

It omits the right of return for displaced Armenians to Artsakh, ignores the destruction of Armenians’ towns, homes and businesses, makes no commitment to preserve Artsakh’s cultural heritage and says nothing about prisoners of war.

From Los Angeles Times

He talked about the prisoners of war who endured horrific conditions in Japanese captivity - and all the "grievous hardships" faced by innocent civilians of occupied territories.

From BBC

An estimated 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting in Japan, including upwards of 12,000 prisoners of war held in Japanese captivity.

From BBC

"I kept hoping until the end that Dad is a prisoner of war somewhere. Even now I still hope," Dima says.

From BBC

Three rounds of ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine hosted by Turkey have resulted in thousands of prisoners of war being exchanged - but no real progress was made towards agreeing a ceasefire.

From BBC

Related Words

• captive 
• hostage 
• prisoner