C1nounformalnaturelaw
US/kæpˈtɪv.ə.ti/
UK/kæpˈtɪv.ə.ti/
the state of being kept in a cage or other place and not allowed to go free
In context
Many animals born in captivity cannot survive in the wild.
The panda was bred in captivity and later released.
Some critics say that keeping whales in captivity is cruel.
Words that go with captivity
noun + preposition
- in captivityTigers in captivity often live longer than wild ones.
verb + preposition
- born in captivityThe bird was born in captivity and cannot fly far.
- bred in captivityThese frogs are bred in captivity to protect the species.
- keep in captivityLaws limit which animals people can keep in captivity.
- release from captivityThe seal was released from captivity last spring.
- escape from captivityThe monkey escaped from captivity and was found in a park.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Animals live in the captivity.Correct: Animals live in captivity.