Meaning & Definition of word "Captivity"
Captivity
/kæpˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/
noun:
- 1. The state of being confined or imprisoned.
- Example: The endangered species were kept in captivity to protect them from poachers.
- 2. The condition of being held against one's will.
- Example: After months in captivity, the hostages were finally rescued.
- 3. The condition of being unable to leave a specific location or situation.
- Example: He felt a strong sense of loneliness during his years of captivity in the remote area.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'captivite', from Old French 'captivite', from Latin 'captivitas', from 'captivus' meaning 'taken captive'
Common Phrases and Expressions
in captivity:
Being held in a confined space.
out of captivity:
Having been freed from confinement.
Related Words
captor:
One who captures or confines another.
captivate:
To attract and hold the interest and attention of.
Slang Meanings of captivity
Meaning: Caught up in a situation.
● Example Sentence: That meeting felt like captivity; I couldn't escape.
Meaning: Stuck in a bad relationship.
● Example Sentence: I felt like I was in captivity with my ex.