captivity

noun

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

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.
At least 20 living hostages are believed to still remain in Hamas captivity. ABC News, 13 July 2025 Zelensky said most of the Ukrainians had been in Russian captivity since 2022. Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 So much of the first season was about his reaction to his captivity and his rage. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 3 July 2025 Near the end of their captivity, the kidnappers cut off the ring finger of Juan’s left hand. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 14 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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