captivity

noun

cap·​tiv·​i·​ty kap-ˈti-və-tē 

1

: the state of being captive

Some birds thrive in captivity.

2

obsolete : a group of captives

Synonyms of captivity

• internment
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• confinement
• prison

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

Rescue tells the story of Roro, a Yemeni mother of young children fighting to reunite her family after a Mediterranean rescue operation left her separated from her husband and held in captivity in Libya. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026

Even more surprisingly, the 24-year-old doe that lived in captivity in Kerr Wildlife Management Area actually birthed a fawn in her final year. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

By 1987, the last free-flying condor had been brought into captivity, and an intensive captive breeding program was underway. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

During captivity, the animals get their vaccine shots for the plague and canine distemper, which grants them lifelong immunity. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing captivity

• in captivity

Rhymes for captivity

• acclivity
• activity
• declivity
• festivity
• nativity
• passivity
• proclivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity