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Definition of captive

captive

/ˈkæp.tɪv/
cap · tive
Plural:captives
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captive Lexical Profile

captive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Imprisoned, confined, or kept under restraint without the freedom to leave.

Example

"The wildlife sanctuary works to rehabilitate captive bears so they can return to their natural habitat."

2

Unable to avoid listening to, watching, or buying something because of the circumstances (especially of an audience or market).

Example

"Stuck on the delayed train for two hours, the commuters formed a captive audience for the street musician."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person or animal that has been taken prisoner or is kept in confinement.

Example

"Historical records describe how the royal captives were eventually released after a peace treaty was signed."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for captive

• Rhymes for captive

• Nearby Words

captivating
captivatingly
captivation
captive
captivity
captor
capturable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French captif, from Latin captivus ('taken prisoner'), derived from capere ('to take, seize, or hold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Captive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/captive
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