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captive

captive

54 4.2
Kept as a prisoner and not free
  • adjective
  • /ˈkæptɪv/
translation icon : cautivo
  • After the storm, the animals were captive in their enclosures, waiting for rescue.
  • captive animals
  • held captive
  • captive breeding

And I would love to see an elephant fight Shamu or or a captive breeding program.

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Examples

  • The soul is shown as captive because she is imprisoned in the body.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Whenever we were held captive, we just wanted to end it.

  • Most likely, our friends are being held captive at the top of Sentinel's tower.

  • I've seen people held captive for months at a time who come out pretty much unscathed.

  • Thus he represents himself as captive not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Perhaps unknowingly, we all become captive to the culture of immediacy.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Mikey had a mission to rescue four Serbian officers that were being... held captive by some Muslim terrorists.

  • The soldiers found themselves captive in the enemy's territory, unable to escape.

  • The documentary revealed the plight of marine animals kept captive in small aquariums.

Synonyms

in chains
vscaptive
33 6.3

A person who has metal bands on the hands or feet so they cannot move

is the general condition of confinement, not limited to metal restraints
bound
vscaptive
6 4.2

Tied or fastened to stop movement

is broader, meaning kept confined or restrained in many ways
unfree
vscaptive
2 6.1

Not free because someone else controls your life or choices

is more specific, implying physical confinement or inability to escape
imprisoned
vscaptive
3.8

Kept in prison and not free

is broader, meaning kept confined or restrained not only by legal detention
confined
vscaptive
3.7

Kept in one small space and unable to leave

is the general idea of being kept under restraint and unable to escape
jailed
vscaptive
3.5

A person who is kept in prison by the law

is not always legal custody and covers any kept in confinement
shackled
vscaptive
7.0

Held by chains around the ankles so the person cannot move freely

is any kept under restraint or confinement, not only ankle bindings
enchained
vscaptive
  • Archaic
9.1

Held with chains or by rules that stop you from acting

is broader, meaning kept in confinement or restraint rather than chain detail
trapped
vscaptive
4.4

Unable to escape from a dangerous place or situation, for example when surrounded by attackers

focuses on being kept in confinement or restraint, not only danger cases
sequestered
vscaptive
7.4

Kept away from other people in a quiet private place

often implies isolation rather than forced confinement or restraint

Antonyms

1.0

Without being held or controlled and able to move

Compounds

6.1

Company owned by a maker that gives loans to dealers or buyers to buy its products

How Confined

jailed
3.5
captive
54 4.2
detention
155 3.9
confined
3.7
held
3.8

Surface Forms

captive positive

Morphology

captive = capture (transparent) = capt + ive

The adjective is formed by the standard derivation from 'capture' (seized) to an adjectival meaning 'seized/kept in confinement'.

Etymology

The word captive comes from Latin capere 'to take' and is related to capture. That's why when someone is described as captive in a place, they are 'taken' and kept under control, unable to escape.