captivity

noun

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

Synonyms of captivity

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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.
According to the Corps, an estimated 600 Azov brigade servicemen are among the thousands still in Russian captivity. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 During his captivity, his siblings organized weekly jam sessions in his honor at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. — Bianna Golodryga, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Rachel and her husband Jon worked tirelessly to bring Hersh and the other hostages home, but on the 328th day of his captivity, Hersh was executed in a tunnel in Gaza. — Will Croxton, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Rio Blanco County Commissioner Callie Scritchfield, however, said captivity is more humane than allowing the horses to roam free. — Stina Sieg, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of captivity was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing captivity

Rhymes for captivity

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Browse Nearby Words

captive bolt
captivity
captopril
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Cite this Entry

“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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