captive
Translation
captive, imprisoned, confined
Examples
He was held captive for three years.
He was held captive for three years.
The speaker had a captive audience.
The speaker had a captive audience.
The noun form is 'a captive'.
The noun form is 'a captive'.
Grammar Patterns
to be held captive to be kept as a prisoner He was held captive by the enemy.
a captive ((noun)) a (noun) that is kept in confinement The zoo has many captive animals.
Similar Words
Synonyms: imprisoned, confined, trapped; Antonyms: free, liberated
Etymology
From Latin 'captivus' (captured, taken prisoner), from 'capere' (to take, seize).
Memory Tips
Someone who is 'captured' is a captive. A 'captive audience' is one that cannot easily leave, so they are forced to listen.