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.
Last week, Israel ended a two-month-old ceasefire by resuming bombing and ground operations, increasing pressure on Hamas to free the remaining hostages in its captivity. Reuters, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 According to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE, the victim was beaten with a metal bat, made to stand for hours, only fed liquids — which he was given once a day — and slept a mere 10 hours during the time he was held in captivity. Christine Pelisek, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 For Gemma, a former professor, the escape follows a distressing period of captivity at Lumon after the company faked her death in order to kidnap her, isolated her from the outside world and fractured her mind into several innies. Abigail Lee, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 Freed Israeli hostage details conditions of Hamas captivity A United Nations staff member was killed and five other personnel were seriously injured in an Israeli strike on Wednesday. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 21 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2025.

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