Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkæp.tɪv/

Definitions

• Adjective: Taken and held as or being in captivity; imprisoned.
• Adjective: Held under restraint or control.
• Noun: A person or animal that is confined or under the control of another.

Usage Examples

• "The captive lion was housed in the zoo for educational purposes."
• "After years of captivity, the captured soldiers were finally released."
• "The prisoner was held captive in a high-security facility."

Etymology

From Middle French "captif" (meaning "captive") and from Latin "captivus" (meaning "taken prisoner"), from "captare," the frequentative form of "capere" (meaning "to seize"). The word "captive" was used in English as early as the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Imprisoned
• Confined
• Enslaved
• Trapped
• Subjugated

Antonyms

• Free
• Independent
• Released
• Unbound
• Unconfined

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word is pronounced with a clear 'a' sound, like "KAP-tiv."
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar but with a slightly softer 't' sound.
• In Australian English, the word may have a more relaxed vowel sound in the first syllable, resembling "CAP-tiv."

Historical Usage

The term "captive" has been in use since the Middle Ages, primarily in contexts related to war and conquest. It was often used to describe prisoners taken during battles or raids. Over time, it expanded to describe not only physical confinement but also metaphorical captivity, such as being "captivated" by someone's charms. The word remains widely used today, particularly in legal, political, and animal contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of being "captive" is closely tied to the themes of freedom, oppression, and power dynamics. Historically, being held captive was a form of punishment or control, but in modern times, it can also describe someone held in situations of exploitation or abuse. In some contexts, such as literature or cinema, "captive" characters often symbolize innocence or helplessness, while in other contexts, captives may become symbols of resistance or survival.

More Information

The word "captive" describes someone or something that is held under restraint, whether by force or circumstance. It conveys a lack of freedom or control, and often, it is used to describe individuals in prison, animals in captivity, or objects subject to ownership or control. In its broader metaphorical sense, it can refer to anyone or anything under the influence or power of another, such as a "captive audience" that cannot leave a performance.