English · Word Candidate

captive

/ˈkæptɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: captives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

One who has been captured or is otherwise confined.

Noun

I envy not in any moods ⁠The captive void of noble rage, ⁠The linnet born within the cage, That never knew the summer woods: […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

One held prisoner.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Held prisoner; not free; confined.

Adjective

A poor, miserable, captive thrall.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Subdued by love; charmed; captivated.

Adjective

Even in so short a space, my woman's heart / Grossly grew captive to his honey words.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “captive” mean?

One who has been captured or is otherwise confined.

Is “captive” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.