captivity

[kap-tiv-i-tee]

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.

captivity

/ kæpˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being captive; imprisonment

2. the period of imprisonment

Other Word Forms

• precaptivity noun
• semicaptivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of captivity¹

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

Example Sentences

For example, it could help address concerns California wildlife officials have had that stars bred in captivity might have the disease and carry it into wild waters if they are moved, conservationists said.

From Los Angeles Times

For almost all of his 16 months in captivity he says he was tied up - first with ropes to his wrists and ankles, then with iron chains.

From BBC

He later recounted the harrowing conditions in captivity - isolated and denied food for most of the days.

From BBC

Her concern about protecting chimpanzees in the wild and in captivity led her in 1977 to found the Jane Goodall Institute to advocate for great apes and support research and public education.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then there has been massive killing of Palestinian civilians, more destruction in Gaza, and now a famine, while Israeli hostages in Gaza have had to endure months more of agony and captivity.

From BBC

Related Words

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