captivity

noun

cap·​tiv·​i·​ty kap-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce captivity (audio)
Synonyms of captivitynext
1
: the state of being captive
some birds thrive in captivity
2
obsolete : a group of captives

Synonyms

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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.
After he was released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. — Wafaa Shurafa, arkansasonline.com, 23 Feb. 2025 During her brief captivity, Mari and Ben commiserate over how messed up their situation is. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 Yarden is a father who left his safe room to protect his family, bravely survived captivity, and returned to an unbearable reality. — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 As befits the agony of a car dealer, the movie’s road action is filmed with flair, as in the deranged thrills when Dwayne speeds recklessly through town and the strange sense of automotive captivity when he’s recognized through a car window. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 14 Feb. 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

Phrases Containing captivity

Rhymes for captivity

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captivity
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Cite this Entry

“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of captivity for Spanish Speakers

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