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

Yarden’s wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, remain in Hamas captivity. —Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

Negotiations have begun for a second phase of a ceasefire deal that would end the war with Hamas and return all Israeli hostages from captivity in Gaza. —Daniel Estrin, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025

Outie Mark loves Gemma, and wants to liberate her from whatever captivity Lumon has placed her in, but Innie Mark’s feelings for Helly continue to bloom. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2025

Eight hostages − three Israelis and five Thai nationals − were returned to Israel Thursday after spending 482 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing captivity

• in captivity