captive

cap·tive

adj \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

Examples of CAPTIVE

1. The captive soldiers planned their escape.
2. <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

Related Words: bound, enslaved, indentured; ensnared, trapped; abducted, kidnapped (also kidnaped); subdued, subjugated; occupied

Near Antonyms: unconfined, unrestrained; delivered, emancipated, enfranchised, freed, liberated, paroled, released

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