: the state of being kept in a place (such as a prison or a cage) and not being able to leave or be free : the state or condition of being captive
The prisoners were released from captivity.
The lions were bred in captivity. [=while living in a zoo]
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“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/captivity. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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