captive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.cap·tive
adjective \ˈkap-tiv\Definition of CAPTIVE
1
a : taken and held as or as if a prisoner of war b (1) : kept within bounds : confined (2) : of or relating to captive animals <captive breeding>
2
: held under control of another but having the appearance of independence; especially : owned or controlled by another concern and operated for its needs rather than for an open market <a captive mine>
3
: being such involuntarily because of a situation that makes free choice or departure difficult <a captive audience>
— captive noun
See Examples of CAPTIVE
- The captive soldiers planned their escape.
- <the captive soldiers were treated humanely by the guards>
Origin of CAPTIVE
Middle English, from Latin captivus, from captus, past participle of capere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CAPTIVE
- Synonyms
- apprehended, arrested, captured, caught, confined, imprisoned, incarcerated, interned, jailed, behind bars
- Antonyms
- free
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