Captive: meaning, definitions and examples

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captive

[ˈkæptɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

detainee, inmate, prisoner.

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. The soldier became a captive during the battle The zoo helps animals born in captivity
prisoner	Commonly used to describe anyone who is confined in a prison or jail, often after being convicted of a crime. The prisoner was sentenced to ten years The prisoners planned an escape
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. The detainee was held for 24 hours before being released Many detainees were kept in poor conditions
inmate	Used to refer to someone living in an institution such as a prison, psychiatric hospital, or similar place for an extended period. The inmate spent five years in prison She became friends with her fellow inmates

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. The zoologists studied the behavior of the captive tiger The soldiers rescued the captive hostages
imprisoned	Specifically refers to being held in a prison or similar type of detention, often related to legal punishment. The criminal was imprisoned for his crimes She felt as if she were imprisoned in her own home
confined	Describes someone or something restricted or limited within certain boundaries. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. The patients were confined to their rooms to prevent the spread of infection She felt confined by the expectations of her family
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. The hikers were trapped in the snowstorm He felt trapped in a job he did not like

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "captive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cativo

🇮🇳 बंदी

🇩🇪 Gefangener

🇮🇩 tawanan

🇺🇦 полонений

🇵🇱 jeniec

🇯🇵 捕虜

🇫🇷 captif

🇪🇸 cautivo

🇹🇷 esir

🇰🇷 포로

🇸🇦 أسير

🇨🇿 zajatec

🇸🇰 zajatý

🇨🇳 俘虏

🇸🇮 ujetnik

🇮🇸 fangi

🇰🇿 тұтқын

🇬🇪 ტყვე

🇦🇿 əsir

🇲🇽 cautivo

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,532 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8529 cab
8530 stealing
8531 chimney
8532 captive
8533 substitutes
8534 alarmed
8535 widening
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