captivity — the condition of being imprisoned or confined
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the condition of being imprisoned or confined
Pronunciation (IPA): /kæpˈtɪvəti/
Example Sentences
- The escaped parrot had been in captivity for so long that it forgot how to order pizza delivery.
- After 20 years in captivity, the whale was finally released into the wild.
- My smartphone feels like it's holding my attention in captivity.
captivity
NOUN[/kæpˈtɪvəti/]
the condition of being imprisoned or confined
After years of captivity, the eagle finally spread its wings and flew free.
The prisoner's captivity gave him hope that one day he would be free again. (CAPTIVITY = CAN'T LEAVE THE CAGE.)
After years of captivity, the prisoner escaped and finally found liberty.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin captivus, meaning 'prisoner' or 'captive', which itself stems from capere (to seize or take). The term has been used since ancient Roman times to denote the state of being a prisoner of war or held in confinement.
Breakdown
captiv- (from Latin capere, meaning to seize or take) + -ity (suffix denoting a state or condition), literally meaning 'the state of being seized or held'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The escaped parrot had been in captivity for so long that it forgot how to order pizza delivery.”
“After 20 years in captivity, the whale was finally released into the wild.”
“My smartphone feels like it's holding my attention in captivity.”
“The documentary showed the harsh conditions of animals in captivity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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