captivity

[kapˈtɪvəti]

captivity Definition

• 1. the state of being imprisoned or confined
• 2. the state of being under someone else's control or power

Using captivity: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "captivity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The animals were kept in captivity for years before being released into the wild.

• Example

  The prisoner longed for freedom from his captivity.

• Example

  The hostages were held in captivity for months before being rescued.

• Example

  The tribe was forced into captivity by the invading army.

captivity Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for captivity

• imprisonment
• detention
• confinement
• incarceration
• bondage

Antonyms for captivity

• freedom
• liberty

Idioms Using captivity

• in captivity

  imprisoned or confined, often used to describe animals

  Example

  The zoo has several endangered species in captivity.

• take into captivity

  to capture and imprison or confine

  Example

  The soldiers took the enemy general into captivity after a long battle.

• break out of captivity

  to escape from imprisonment or confinement

  Example

  The prisoners managed to break out of captivity by overpowering the guards.

Phrases with captivity

• escape from captivity

  to break free from imprisonment or confinement

  Example

  The prisoner managed to escape from captivity by digging a tunnel.

• life in captivity

  the experience of being imprisoned or confined for an extended period of time

  Example

  The animal had difficulty adjusting to life in captivity after being rescued from the wild.

• hold in captivity

  to keep someone or something imprisoned or confined

  Example

  The rebels held the government officials in captivity until their demands were met.

Origins of captivity

from Latin 'captivitas', meaning 'a taking captive'

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Summary: captivity in Brief

The term 'captivity' [kapˈtɪvəti] refers to the state of being imprisoned or confined, or under someone else's control or power. It is often used to describe animals kept in zoos or people held as prisoners. Phrases like 'escape from captivity' and 'hold in captivity' are common, as are idioms like 'in captivity,' which describes animals that are confined, and 'break out of captivity,' which means to escape from confinement.