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Captivity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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captivity

[kรฆpหˆtษชvษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in zoology

The state of being imprisoned or confined; the state of being in captivity.

Synonyms

confined, detainment, imprisonment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
captivity

This term often refers to the state of being kept in a place and not being able to leave. It is frequently used to describe animals held in zoos or nature reserves.

  • The bird lived in captivity for nearly a decade
  • She was fascinated by the stories of the prince's captivity
imprisonment

This term is most suitable when referring to someone being held in a prison or jail as a punishment after being convicted of a crime. It carries a legal and penal implication.

  • He faced ten years of imprisonment for his crimes
  • The activist spoke out against unjust imprisonment
detainment

This word typically denotes a temporary restriction of freedom, usually by law enforcement, and often carries a formal or legal connotation.

  • The suspect is currently in detainment awaiting trial
  • His unexpected detainment at the airport caused significant delays

Examples of usage

  • The animals were kept in captivity for research purposes.
  • The conservationists were working to release the animals from captivity.
  • The captivity of the animals was a major concern for the zookeepers.
Context #2 | Noun

in a broader sense

The condition of being enslaved or dominated; the state of being under someone else's control.

Synonyms

domination, enslavement, subjugation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
captivity

This word is best used when referring to the state of being imprisoned or confined, especially in a literal sense.

  • The prisoners were held in captivity for several years.
  • The animal was finally freed from captivity and returned to its natural habitat.
enslavement

This term carries a very negative connotation and speaks to the condition of being forced into slavery or extreme subjugation. It's often used in historical, social, or moral contexts.

  • The museum exhibit showed the horrors of enslavement.
  • They worked tirelessly to fight human enslavement around the world.
subjugation

This word is used when discussing the act of bringing someone or something under control, often through force or oppression. It typically refers to a broader scale, such as a population or nation.

  • The subjugation of the local population led to years of unrest.
  • Subjugation of weaker groups by powerful empires has been a dark chapter in history.
domination

Use this word when talking about control or power exerted by one entity over another, often with a focus on superiority. It can describe various scenarios, from political to personal relationships.

  • The company's market domination made it hard for competitors to thrive.
  • His need for total domination strained their relationship.

Examples of usage

  • The captivity of the mind can be just as limiting as physical captivity.
  • Many people live in captivity to their fears and insecurities.
  • The captivity of the nation under a tyrannical regime lasted for decades.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Wildlife

  • Many species in zoos are kept in captivity to protect them from extinction.
  • However, being in captivity can affect animals' behavior and health, leading to psychological issues.
  • Conservation efforts sometimes involve capturing animals to breed them in protected environments before reintroducing them to the wild.

Literature

  • Captivity experiences are a common theme in literature, symbolizing struggle and survival.
  • Famous works, like 'The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson', explore the harsh realities of being held captive.

Psychology

  • People in captivity can experience complex psychological effects, including Stockholm syndrome, where captives feel loyalty to their captors.
  • The trauma of captivity can lead to long-term effects, affecting mental health even after release.

Origin of 'captivity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'captivus', which means 'taken prisoner'.
  • It evolved in Middle English from the word 'captivite', reflecting the concept of being captured.

The word 'captivity' has its origins in the Latin word 'captivitas', which means 'a taking captive'. In ancient times, captivity often referred to the state of being a prisoner of war or being enslaved. Throughout history, captivity has been a common experience for many individuals and groups, whether through physical imprisonment or mental domination. The concept of captivity continues to be relevant today, with discussions on freedom, human rights, and the treatment of animals in captivity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,294, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.