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 of captivity

• internment
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• confinement
• 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

On Shabbat, the Acheinu, a prayer for liberating those held in captivity, was recited from the bimah, an elevated platform where sermons are often delivered. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

The exhibition will also examine orca behavior, including social structures and communication, as well as issues such as captivity and the status of various populations, museum officials said. —City News Service, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

Robert Rubsam on a novel about women who trade one kind of captivity for another. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

Seven village dogs, stolen from their homes, broke free from captivity and navigated more than 10 miles of unfamiliar highway together, protecting one another along the way. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th 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