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

The story of Jeffrey Epstein is just one example of how traffickers use a combination of manipulation, economic dependency and coercion – rather than physical captivity – to entrap vulnerable people and slowly erode their autonomy. —Joan A. Reid, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025

The only way a resident can lawfully own a deer is through a wildlife captivity license issued by NCWRC, which is only authorized for those using the animals for scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Kim, who was the heir to rule North Korea at the time, was a big fan of Godzilla, and Pulgasari was the fourth and final movie Shin made before escaping eight years of captivity. —James Grebey, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

Ongoing troubles amongst wolves, ranchers and their cattle in Cochise County this summer resulted in the relocation of a pack from southern Arizona to captivity in New Mexico. —Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 28 Nov. 2025

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