captive

cap-tive · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who has been taken prisoner or confined.

  2. 2.

    Imprisoned or confined.

  3. 3.

    Unable to avoid something; having no freedom of choice.

Forms

plural: captives

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    captive audience — people who cannot leave and must listen
  • •
    hold captive — to keep imprisoned
  • •
    captive breeding — breeding animals in controlled conditions

Related words

Antonyms: captor, free person
See also: captivity, capture, prisoner
Synonyms: detainee, hostage, prisoner

Etymology

From Latin captivus meaning "caught, taken prisoner," from captus, past participle of capere meaning "to take, seize."