captivity

[ kap-tiv-i-tee ]

noun

, plural cap·tiv·i·ties.

1. the state or period of being held, imprisoned, enslaved, or confined.

   Synonyms: imprisonment, incarceration, confinement, subjection, thralldom, slavery, servitude, bondage

   Antonyms: freedom

2. (initial capital letter) Babylonian captivity.

captivity

/ kæpˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being captive; imprisonment
2. the period of imprisonment

Other Words From

• precap·tivi·ty noun
• semi·cap·tivi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of captivity¹

1275–1325; Middle English captivite (< Old French ) < Latin captīvitās. See captive, -ity

Example Sentences

For years, the FWS worked to raise more ferrets in captivity.

From NewsForKids.net

In 2011, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity.

From BBC

A type of antelope listed as critically endangered in the wild has been born in captivity in the UK.

From BBC

He referred to testimonies from other former hostages who spent time in captivity with Mr Haines and spoke highly of him.

From BBC

They wanted us to see where Hamas had killed around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and dragged more than 250 into captivity in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• bondage
• confinement
• custody
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• slavery