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

Her octopus was named Marcellus McSquiddles, an aging crank who notes his days of captivity in a Puget Sound aquarium as if on death row, but also recognizes the night janitor, Tova, is lonely and grieving. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

In The Second Lady, when America’s beloved First Lady is abducted and replaced by a Russian double, both women must fight to survive—one navigating captivity in Siberia, the other infiltrating the White House to sabotage NATO during the G7 Summit. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

He was promoted to his current rank while in captivity. —CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Animal ambassadors are animals that live long-term, or sometimes permanently, in captivity and teach people who visit them about good stewardship and wild animals. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 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