O OneWordDaily
AI-generated image
Word of the Day Tuesday, June 9, 2026

captive

/kæptɪv/ noun, verb · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
Share WhatsApp

What does captive mean?

noun, verb

A person or animal that is held captive is being kept in a place where they cannot go freely. To capture or be captured means to take or be taken control of, often by force.

Example

"The hostages were being held captive in the abandoned building."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for captive

Antonyms of captive

Rhymes with captive

Etymologically related