Captive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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captive
[ˈkæptɪv ]
Definitions
animal
A captive is an animal that is kept in a cage or enclosed area, usually for the purpose of entertainment, research, or breeding.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| captive |
Use when referring to someone who is forcibly kept somewhere against their will, especially in a context of war or kidnapping. It can also describe animals in confinement.
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| prisoner |
Commonly used to describe anyone who is confined in a prison or jail, often after being convicted of a crime.
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| detainee |
Appropriate when speaking about someone who is held in custody by authorities, often without formal charges, possibly for questioning or suspicion of a crime. This term is often used in legal and political contexts.
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| inmate |
Used to refer to someone living in an institution such as a prison, psychiatric hospital, or similar place for an extended period.
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Examples of usage
- Many people believe that keeping wild animals as captives is unethical.
- The zoo has a variety of captives, including lions, tigers, and bears.
person
If someone is captive, they are unable to escape or leave a particular situation or place.
Synonyms
confined, imprisoned, trapped.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| captive |
Used when someone or something is being held by force and cannot escape, often in a literal sense such as a prisoner of war or an animal in a cage.
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| imprisoned |
Specifically refers to being held in a prison or similar type of detention, often related to legal punishment.
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| confined |
Describes someone or something restricted or limited within certain boundaries. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
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| trapped |
Implies being caught in a situation or place from which escape is difficult or impossible, can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
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Examples of usage
- The hostages were held captive for several days before being rescued.
- She felt like a captive in her own home, unable to break free from the abusive relationship.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Throughout history, captives have often been taken during wars; they were valuable for ransom or as slaves.
- Ancient Rome had a practice of keeping captives in gladiator schools, where they were trained to fight in public arenas.
- During the transatlantic slave trade, millions were forcibly captured and shipped to continents far from their homes, a significant and tragic part of history.
Psychology
- The concept of feeling 'captive' can extend beyond physical constraints to emotional and psychological states, like feeling trapped in a relationship.
- Studies show that individuals who feel captive in a situation often experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
- Stockholm syndrome is a phenomenon where captives develop feelings for their captors, illustrating the complex psychology behind captivity.
Pop Culture
- The term is often seen in books and movies, where characters may be taken captive in action adventures or fairy tales, adding to storytelling tension.
- Popular songs, like 'Hold Me Captive' by artists such as The Bravery, reflect emotional bonds that can feel imprisoning.
- In video games, being 'captive' is a common theme that drives the plot, with heroes often fighting to rescue those held against their will.
Animal Behavior
- Many animals kept in zoos are considered captive; while they are cared for, their freedom is limited compared to their wild counterparts.
- Captive breeding programs aim to save endangered species; these programs help repopulate species that might otherwise become extinct.
- Research shows that animals in captivity can develop behaviors not seen in the wild, such as pacing or over-grooming, indicating stress.
Origin of 'captive'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'captive' comes from the Latin word 'captivus,' which means 'taken,' emphasizing the idea of someone being taken away from freedom.
- In Old French, 'captif' meant 'taken prisoner,' showing how language has evolved around the concept of capturing.
- The use of this term dates back to the 14th century, highlighting its long-standing relevance in language and history.
The word 'captive' originated from the Latin word 'captivus', which means 'taken as a prisoner'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to someone who is held against their will. Over time, the term has also been applied to animals kept in confinement. The concept of captivity has been a topic of ethical debate, particularly in relation to the treatment of captive animals in zoos, aquariums, and circuses.