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

• 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th 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