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

There are about 6,000 Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity, and about 1,600 of them are noncombatants, according to the same source. —Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2024

Directed by Richard Marquand, Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi sees Luke embarking on a rescue mission to free his Rebel Alliance pals from Jabba the Hutt's captivity as the Emperor builds a new Death Star in hopes of annihilating the Rebellion. —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing captivity

• in captivity