captive

[kap-tiv] / ˈkæp tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

physically held by force

Synonyms

STRONGEST

caged enslaved imprisoned incommunicado

STRONG

bound

WEAK

confined ensnared in custody incarcerated jailed locked up penned restricted subjugated under lock and key

Antonyms

WEAK

disillusioned free independent loose uninterested

ADJECTIVE

mentally enchanted, held

Synonyms

WEAK

beguiled bewitched charmed delighted enraptured enthralled fascinated hypnotized infatuated

Antonyms

WEAK

disillusioned free independent loose uninterested

NOUN

person held physically

Synonyms

STRONGEST

detainee hostage prisoner prisoner of war slave

STRONG

bondman bondwoman con convict internee

WEAK

bondservant

Antonyms

WEAK

free man independent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It wasn’t long before Hill realized she had a captive audience.

From The Wall Street Journal

For decades, great cities benefited from a relatively captive tax base.

From The Wall Street Journal

The truth didn’t set them free; it kept them captive in poverty.

From Literature

It was like my mind was attached to some bizarre creature and it was carrying me away captive.

From Literature

Animal rights groups say this case highlights the poor living conditions of captive tigers used for entertainment in Thailand.

From BBC