Cool MateCaptive
UK //ˈkæptɪv//US //ˈkæptɪv//
Definition
Held prisoner or confined; unable to escape.
In simple words: Being held or kept in one place and unable to leave.
Examples
- The captive animals in the zoo seem to miss their natural habitat.
- Many soldiers were held as captive during the war.
- He felt like a captive in his own home.
- The documentary showed the plight of captive dolphins in aquariums.
- They were captive audiences, listening to the speaker for hours.
Usage notes
Used to describe animals, people, or situations where someone is trapped or unable to escape.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of 'captive' as 'captured' - someone who can't get away.
Collocations
- captive audience
- captive animal
- captive market
Synonyms
- imprisoned
- enslaved
- trapped
- confined
Antonyms
- free
- liberated
- unconfined
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'captivated' which means fascinated or charmed.
- Omitting the context of being unable to leave, leading to misinterpretation.
- Using it only for people, rather than animals or objects.