captive
See also: captivé
English
Etymology
From Middle English captif; in turn ultimately from Latin captīvus, probably through a borrowing from a Middle French intermediate. Doublet of caitiff.
Pronunciation
Audio (US) (file)
Noun
captive (plural captives)
- One who has been captured or is otherwise confined.
- 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess:
- When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. He had him gripped firmly by the arm, since he felt it was not safe to let him loose, and he had no immediate idea what to do with him. The captive made no resistance […].
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- One held prisoner.
- (figuratively) One charmed or subdued by beauty, excellence, or affection; one who is captivated.
Translations
a person who has been captured
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a person held prisoner
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Adjective
captive (not comparable)
- Held prisoner; not free; confined.
- (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
- A poor, miserable, captive thrall.
- (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
- Subdued by love; charmed; captivated.
- (Can we date this quote?) William Shakespeare
- Even in so short a space, my woman's heart / Grossly grew captive to his honey words.
- (Can we date this quote?) William Shakespeare
- Of or relating to bondage or confinement; serving to confine.
- captive chains; captive hours
Translations
French
Latin
Middle English
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