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עברית
השבויים — meaning in English: The prisoners
hashvuyim · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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the prisoners (of war)
השבויים
hashvuyim
חגיגיים
khagigiyim
ובניגוד
uvenigud
יער
ya'ar
באורך
be'orekh
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word השבויים (hashvuyim) in contexts related to legal discussions, news reports, or human rights advocacy, particularly when referring to individuals who have been unlawfully detained or imprisoned. For instance, in a news article about a hostage situation, one might hear about the plight of השבויים and their families.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is אסירים (asirim), which means 'prisoners' in a more general sense. However, השבויים specifically refers to those who have been captured, often in a conflict situation, making it distinctively used in discussions of human rights and warfare.
Culture
The word השבויים (hashvuyim) comes from the root ש-ב-י, which means 'to capture or take hostage'. In Israeli history, discussions about השבויים often evoke emotions and illustrate the complex socio-political landscape, especially regarding conflicts and peace negotiations. The plight of prisoners, particularly in the context of war, has been a poignant topic in Israeli culture, symbolizing both the human cost of conflict and the hope for peace.
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