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.
Typically, nonnative species are introduced to areas accidentally through cargo or escapes from captivity. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 The birthday celebration was brutally cut short when Ofir was abducted into captivity, where he was murdered. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025 The confession struck him as both raw and deeply tragic, a glimpse of how ambition hardens into captivity. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 These strategies include administering birth control and gathering the animals into captivity and placing them up for sale or adoption. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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