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Synonyms for

Captive

Noun / ˈkæptɪv / Another word for captive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person or animal that is being held prisoner or captured.

Synonyms & similar words

enwrapped absorbed jailed prisoner confined engrossed intent wrapped imprisoned prisoner captive detainee hostage inmate confined captured trapped imprisoned enslaved subjugated ensnared caught snared restricted bounded impounded seized apprehended incarcerated

Synonyms by register

Formal

detained confined imprisoned interned

Informal

caged nabbed caught

Literary

enslaved thrall bondaged

Antonyms

free unrestrained liberated independent released unfettered

Common collocations

  • captive audience
  • captive market
  • captive animal
  • captive insurance
  • captive state
  • captive audience
  • captive breeding

Word family

noun captivity
verb captivate
adjective captivating

Usage note

While 'captive' can refer to a person held against their will, it is more commonly used for animals or in specific economic contexts like 'captive market' or 'captive audience'.

Compare "captive" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The zookeeper checked on the safety of the animal captives every morning.
  2. The enemy soldiers took the villagers as captives.
  3. The butterfly was a captive in the jar.
  4. The captain of the ship was taken captive by pirates.
  5. The prisoner tried to escape from his captivity.

Quotes

  • Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. - Herbert Hoover
  • Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. - Coco Chanel

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