captivity

noun

cap·​tiv·​i·​ty kap-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce captivity (audio)
1
: the state of being captive
some birds thrive in captivity
2
obsolete : a group of captives

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least 20 living hostages are believed to still remain in Hamas captivity. Diaa Ostaz, ABC News, 28 June 2025 The first-phase agreement ultimately allowed for the return of 33 hostages in Hamas captivity in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 His critics accuse him of prolonging the war in Gaza and of leaving dozens of hostages languishing in Hamas captivity to cling to power and more effectively battle the allegations. Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 Hundreds of people lined the streets of Tenafly, New Jersey, on June 19 to welcome home native son Edan Alexander, who survived 584 days of captivity in Gaza before being freed in May. Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for captivity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of captivity was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on captivity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!