captivity
noun
cap·tiv·i·ty
kap-ˈti-və-tē 
Synonyms
Examples of captivity in a Sentence
The prisoners were released from captivity.
the wildlife refuge raises endangered species in captivity and then releases them into the wild
Recent Examples on the Web
The protests come as Netanyahu faces intensifying domestic pressure over what critics say is his refusal to commit to a cease-fire deal that would secure the release of 120 hostages still being held in Hamas captivity in Gaza.
—
Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 18 June 2024
The deaths have sparked outrage among animal rights groups, who say captivity dramatically increases the chances of elephants having a host of medical issues that can lead to a premature death.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
If this is in fact a wild flamingo and not one that escaped captivity, this is the first sighting of a wild flamingo in Massachusetts history, local news outlets reported, citing experts.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024
Mexican gray wolves:Asha, the adventurous wolf, is recaptured, paired with a male to mate
Fostering vs adult releases
Smith believes Llave’s international journey in and out of captivity is representative of the challenges Mexican wolf recovery faces.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for captivity 
Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 18 June 2024
The deaths have sparked outrage among animal rights groups, who say captivity dramatically increases the chances of elephants having a host of medical issues that can lead to a premature death.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
If this is in fact a wild flamingo and not one that escaped captivity, this is the first sighting of a wild flamingo in Massachusetts history, local news outlets reported, citing experts.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024
Mexican gray wolves:Asha, the adventurous wolf, is recaptured, paired with a male to mate
Fostering vs adult releases
Smith believes Llave’s international journey in and out of captivity is representative of the challenges Mexican wolf recovery faces.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 4 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for captivity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'captivity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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