Synonyms for

Captives

Verb / ˈkæptɪvz / Another word for captives — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Captives are people who have been taken prisoner or held against their will.

Synonyms & similar words

captive prisoner prisoners hostages detainees inmates slaves bondsmen internees victims conscripts imprisoned confined incarcerated enslaved subjugated oppressed subdued restrained restricted bound trapped

Synonyms by register

Formal

detainees prisoners hostages interns

Informal

prisoners guys in the pen inmates

Literary

thralls bondsmen enslaved

Antonyms

freemen liberated released unfettered unbound free rescued

Common collocations

  • take captive
  • hold captive
  • release captives
  • enemy captives
  • human captives
  • captive audience
  • captive market
  • captive nation

Word family

noun captivity
verb captivate
adjective captive

Usage note

While 'captive' can be used as an adjective (e.g., 'captive audience'), when used as a noun, it refers to individuals held against their will, often in a context of war or imprisonment.

Example sentences

  1. The captives were treated well by their captors.
  2. The rescuers had to sneak into the enemy camp to free the captives.
  3. The captives were finally released after negotiations with their captors.
  4. The pirates took the crew as captives and held them for ransom.
  5. The captives were forced to work in the mines for months.

Quotes

  • It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. -Elizabeth Kenny
  • The only way to deal with fear is to face it head on. -Brandon Mull
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela

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