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

Will Matt Damon suffer in his captivity, or enjoy it? — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Would Rhaenyra’s Syrax — a formidably sized dragon, albeit one raised in captivity — be able to torch them all? — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026

At least 80 school children are still in captivity after being abducted by militants in the southern and northern regions of the country. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

There is also the mystery around the captivity of Otto Hightower, Alicent’s father. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 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