Capstans are devices used to apply force to a rope or cable in order to move or tighten it. Synonyms for capstans include winches, windlasses, hoists, and cranes. Winches are typically used to pull or lift heavy loads and can be powered by electricity, hydraulic power, or manually. Windlasses are similar to winches but are used specifically for raising and lowering anchors on ships. Hoists are used to lift and move heavy objects using mechanical power, and cranes are large, mobile devices that are used to lift and move heavy loads over a short distance. Regardless of the specific synonym used, capstans play an important role in many industries and are crucial for performing heavy lifting and moving tasks.