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

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

Even the same people who bred Flaco for captivity stumble through answers about why keeping wild animals in confinement is, somehow, the right choice for them. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 July 2026

The movie, which starred an orca named Keiko, also dispelled myths about the killer whale and inspired activism around their captivity. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 July 2026

Their captivity took them from western Siberia to Yekaterinburg. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 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