captivity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being imprisoned
    immurement; imprisonment; incarceration.
    • he was held in captivity until he died
    • the imprisonment of captured soldiers
    • his ignominious incarceration in the local jail
    • he practiced the immurement of his enemies in the castle dungeon
  2. noun the state of being a slave
    enslavement.
    • So every bondman in his own hand bears the power to cancel his captivity"--Shakespeare

WordNet

Cap*tiv"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. captivitas: cf. F. captivité.
Definitions
  1. The state of being a captive or a prisoner.
    More celebrated in his captivity that in his greatest triumphs. Dryden.
  2. A state of being under control; subjection of the will or affections; bondage.
    Sink in the soft captivity together. Addison.
    Syn. -- Imprisonment; confinement; bondage; subjection; servitude; slavery; thralldom; serfdom.

Webster 1913