First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
captive
adjective cap·tive \ˈkap-tiv\
: captured and kept in a prison, cage, etc.
: forced to watch or listen to something because you cannot leave
Full Definition of CAPTIVE
1
a : taken and held as or as if a prisoner of war b (1) : kept within bounds : confined (2) : of or relating to captive animals <captive breeding>
2
: held under control of another but having the appearance of independence; especially : owned or controlled by another concern and operated for its needs rather than for an open market <a captive mine>
3
: being such involuntarily because of a situation that makes free choice or departure difficult <a captive audience>
— captive noun
See captive defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CAPTIVE
Middle English, from Latin captivus, from captus, past participle of capere
Related to CAPTIVE
- Synonyms
- apprehended, arrested, captured, caught, confined, imprisoned, incarcerated, interned, jailed, behind bars
- Antonyms
- free
CAPTIVE Defined for Kids
1captive
adjective cap·tive \ˈkap-tiv\
Definition of CAPTIVE for Kids
1
: taken and held prisoner <captive soldiers>
2
: kept within bounds or under control <captive animals>
3
: as a prisoner <I was taken captive.>
4
: unable to avoid watching or listening to something <a captive audience>
2captive
noun
Definition of CAPTIVE for Kids
: someone who is held prisoner
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