Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being imprisoned or confined: The condition of not being free, of being held under guard or within a restricted area.
   • The state of being under the control of another, especially as a prisoner of war or a captive animal: A lack of liberty due to force or constraint.

Usage

The word "captivity" is an uncountable noun. It describes a general state or condition. It is often used with prepositions like "in," "into," "from," and "during." - Use "in captivity" to describe the state of being confined. - Use "take into captivity" or "hold in captivity" to describe the act of capturing and confining. - Use "escape from captivity" to describe gaining freedom.

Examples

• The zoo's pandas were born in captivity.
• The soldiers endured years of harsh captivity.
• The bird, once kept in a cage, struggled to adapt after its release from captivity.
• The historical museum had an exhibit on the captivity of prisoners during the war.

Advanced Usage

• "The Capitivity": When capitalized, it can refer to specific historical events, most notably the Babylonian Captivity (the period when ancient Jews were held captive in Babylon).
• Figurative Use: It can describe a state of being trapped by circumstances, emotions, or obligations, not just physical walls.
  • He felt his desk job was a form of intellectual captivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Captive (noun): A person or animal that has been taken prisoner or confined.
  • The captives were treated well.
• Captive (adjective): Imprisoned or confined; or, relating to a captive audience (an audience that cannot easily leave).
  • a captive audience; captive wildlife
• Captor (noun): A person who captures someone or something.

Synonyms

• Imprisonment: The state of being put or kept in prison.
• Incarceration: The state of being confined in a prison or jail (formal).
• Confinement: The state of being enclosed or restricted within limits.
• Detention: The state of being kept in a place, especially officially (e.g., for questioning).
• Bondage: The state of being a slave or being under control (often with a historical or literary tone).

Antonyms

• Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think without restraint.
• Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions.
• Release: The action or state of being set free.

Idioms and Phrases

• Born in captivity: Refers to an animal born in a zoo or controlled environment, not in the wild.
• Live in captivity: To have one's entire life spent in a confined, human-controlled setting.
• A life of captivity: A phrase describing a long period or an entire existence spent imprisoned or confined.

Noun

1. the state of being a slave
   • So every bondman in his own hand bears the power to cancel his captivity--Shakespeare
2. the state of being imprisoned
   • he was held in captivity until he died
   • the imprisonment of captured soldiers
   • his ignominious incarceration in the local jail
   • he practiced the immurement of his enemies in the castle dungeon