captivity

noun

cap·​tiv·​i·​ty kap-ˈti-və-tē 

1

: the state of being captive

some birds thrive in captivity

2

obsolete : a group of captives

Synonyms

• confinement
• immurement
• impoundment
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• internment
• prison

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

Yerushalmi’s family have learned details of her captivity from the IDF since her body was returned to Israel from Gaza. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024

The observation that some African people—kidnapped and then enslaved in the New World—were protected from the worst effects of malaria was perceived as extra incentive for their captivity. —Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December. —Tia Goldenberg, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2024

Jon and Rachel have done everything in their power to – to help their son be released from captivity. —ABC News, 1 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing captivity

• in captivity