Meaning of captivity in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /kæpˈtɪvədi/

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  1. Noun

    captivity

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Latin captivitas, from captivus‘taken captive’ (see captive)

    Definitions

    1. the state of being imprisoned

    Examples

    • « 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 »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. the state of being a slave

    Examples

    • « So every bondman in his own hand bears the power to cancel his captivity--Shakespeare »

Famous quotes

  • « All the intelligence and talent in the world can't make a singer. The voice is a wild thing. It can't be bred in captivity. It is a sport, like the silver fox. It happens. »
    Willa Cather

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