captivity

American  

[kap-tiv-i-tee] / kæpˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

plural

captivities

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

   Synonyms:

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

   Antonyms:

   freedom

2. (initial capital letter) Babylonian captivity.

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captivity British  

/ kæpˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being captive; imprisonment

2. the period of imprisonment

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Other Word Forms

• precaptivity
  noun
• semicaptivity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of captivity

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

Explanation

Captivity is the condition of being trapped or confined. Animals that are kept in zoos are in captivity. A prisoner is in captivity, and a kidnapping victim is also in captivity. If you catch a firefly and keep it in a jar, its life will be one of captivity until you let it go. When you're imprisoned or enslaved, you're captive. Both words come from a Latin source, captivus, "caught" or "taken prisoner," from the root capere, "to take, hold, or seize."

Related Words

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