captivity

cap·tiv·i·ty

noun \kap-ˈti-və-tē\

Definition of CAPTIVITY

1

: the state of being captive <some birds thrive in captivity>

2

obsolete : a group of captives

Examples of CAPTIVITY

1. The prisoners were released from captivity.
2. <the wildlife refuge raises endangered species in captivity and then releases them into the wild>

First Known Use of CAPTIVITY

14th century

Related to CAPTIVITY

Synonyms: internment, confinement, immurement, impoundment, imprisonment, incarceration, prison

Related Words: bondage, enslavement, servitude; restraint, restriction; arrest, capture, entrapment; custody, detainer, detainment, detention, house arrest

Near Antonyms: emancipation, liberation, manumission, redemption, release; freedom, independence, liberty

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Rhymes with CAPTIVITY

acclivity, activity, festivity, motivity, nativity, passivity, proclivity