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Meaning of captive
A person held in captivity or a state of being confined.
Etymology of captive
The word "captive" comes from the Latin "captivus," meaning "prisoner," which is derived from "captus," the past participle of "capere," meaning "to take" or "to seize."
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a person or animal that is being held in confinement or captivity.
Synonyms
prisoner
hostage
detainee
inmate
internee
convict
jailbird
slave
bondsman
vassal
thrall
serf
captive audience
confined
restricted
limited
restrained
imprisoned
incarcerated
locked up
held
detained
constrained
enchained
fettered
shackled
manacled
enchained
subjugated
oppressed
subdued
dominated
controlled
enslaved
enthralled
spellbound
beguiled
mesmerized
entranced
fascinated
charmed
allured
attracted
absorbed
engrossed
preoccupied
obsessed
enthused
captivated
enthralled
bewitched
beguiled
Definitions
- A person who is being held prisoner or confined, typically against their will.
- * A person or animal that is being kept in a controlled environment for observation, study, or exhibition.
- * A person who is completely fascinated or enthralled by something.
Usage Examples
- The captive audience was forced to listen to the lecturer's dull presentation.
- * The zoo kept a captive breeding program for endangered species.
- * The novel's captivating storyline held the reader in a captive state.
Antonyms
free
liberated
released
emancipated
unfettered
unrestricted
unconfined
unleashed
unshackled
unchained
untethered
unbound
unencumbered
unleashed
autonomous
independent
self-governing
sovereign
unrestricted
unregulated
uncontrolled
unrestrained
unbridled
uncurbed
unmanaged
spontaneous
voluntary
willing
compliant
cooperative
obedient
docile
submissive
compliant
acquiescent