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 of captivity

• internment
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• confinement
• 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

But Helaena puts an end to it all with a fatal leap from captivity. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Nigerian forces rescued at least 308 victims from captivity in the past week, with the bulk of the victims coming from two distinct groups. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

The raiders’ prisoners are saved by Titus, a young man on a mysterious quest of his own, but once Bria is freed from captivity, Titus leaves her to fend for herself in the wilderness. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026

Guthrie’s death is unconfirmed, as no proof of her captivity or death has been provided by her abductors. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing captivity

• in captivity

Rhymes for captivity

• acclivity
• activity
• declivity
• festivity
• nativity
• passivity
• proclivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity