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

In zoos, the architecture of captivity arguably finds its most devious achievement, because the designers want to hide the cages and accommodate masses of spectators. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Although some have questioned the legality of Frankie’s captivity, the law is clear. —Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025

Moretz plays Reeve LeClaire, who is haunted by the memory of teenage captivity at the hands of a sadist and fears a return to the nightmare when she is asked to mentor a survivor and gets pulled into a game of cat and mouse. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 July 2025

Israel believes that as few as 20 hostages remain alive in Hamas captivity — many in critical condition, with only days left to live. —Efrat Lachter , David Hammelburg, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 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