Captive

/ˈkæptɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person or animal that is confined or restrained, often against their will.

The soldiers rescued the captives from the enemy camp.

An animal that has been tamed or domesticated.

The zoo houses many captives that were unable to survive in the wild.

adjective

Being held in confinement or under physical restraint.

The captive agents were eventually released after negotiations.

Having the attention of someone or being fully engaged.

The audience sat in captive silence as the magician performed his tricks.

Middle English: from Old French 'captive' or Latin 'captivus', meaning 'taken or seized'.

captive audience

An audience that is unable to leave or escape, often used in a context of entertainment or teaching.

captive breeding

The breeding of animals outside their natural habitat, typically in facilities that provide care and safety.

capture

To take possession or control of someone or something.

captivity

The state of being kept imprisoned or confined.

In a tight spot

I'm really a captive in this situation with no way out.

Trapped

I feel captive in this long meeting.