Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

kapo

noun

/ˈkɑː.poʊ/

Definition

A kapo is a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp who was appointed by the Nazis to oversee other prisoners.

Examples

During the Holocaust, many kapos faced moral dilemmas as they navigated their roles within the camp.
The kapo was often viewed with disdain by other inmates for their collaboration with the Nazis.

Meaning

The term is derived from the German word ‘Kapo,’ and it refers to someone who was given authority over fellow prisoners, often forced to enforce camp rules.