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

• confinement
• immurement
• impoundment
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• internment
• 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

People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. —Haley Ott, CBS News, 12 May 2025

There are 59 hostages still in Gaza, at least 24 of whom are assessed to be alive, including Alexander, now 21 years old after having spent two birthdays in Hamas captivity. —Stepheny Price , Yonat Friling, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025

Gruner, per the outlet, helps manage a captivity program for the Powelliphanta augusta snails — otherwise known as the Mount Augustus snail — launched nearly 20 years ago. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 8 May 2025

Ronen Neutra, wearing a piece of duct tape with 572 written on it, marking the days of captivity for his son Omer, said the hostages can not wait even one more day. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 30 Apr. 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