Definition of captive

< captivate

captivity >

cap·tive    (kptv) KEY 

NOUN:

1. One, such as a prisoner of war, who is forcibly confined, subjugated, or enslaved.
2. One held in the grip of a strong emotion or passion.

ADJECTIVE:

1. Taken and held prisoner, as in war.
2. Held in bondage; enslaved.
3. Kept under restraint or control; confined: captive birds.
4. Restrained by circumstances that prevent free choice: a captive audience; a captive market.
5. Enraptured, as by beauty; captivated.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English captif, from Old French, from Latin captvus, from captus, past participle of capere, to seize; see kap- in Indo-European roots