Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Captive has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:
an animal that is confined
"The zookeeper checked on the captive tiger to ensure its enclosure was secure."
a person held in the grip of a strong emotion or passion
"The captive audience was completely absorbed by the magician's incredible illusion, unable to look away until the very end."
One who has been captured or is otherwise confined.
"The escaped animal was quickly recaptured by park rangers before it could cause further damage to the local wildlife habitat."
In plain English: A captive is someone who has been trapped and cannot leave on their own.
"The injured bird was taken in by animal rescue to care for its captive wing until it healed."
Usage: Use the noun "captive" rather than the adjective when referring to a person held against their will, as the term implies involuntary confinement. Avoid using it for animals in zoos unless emphasizing their lack of freedom rather than simply describing them as pets or exhibits.
To capture; to take captive.
"The hunters managed to capture and trap the rare bird in their net."
In plain English: To capture someone means to take them into your control so they cannot leave freely.
"The company promised to capture all stray cats before releasing them into their new neighborhood."
being in captivity
"The zookeeper checked on the captive lion to ensure it was eating well."
Held prisoner; not free; confined.
"The escaped elephant was quickly recaptured by the wildlife rangers and returned to its enclosure."
In plain English: Captive means being held against your will and unable to leave freely.
"The captive birds were kept in small cages within the garden."
The word "captive" entered English in the late 14th century via Old and Middle French as an adjective meaning "taken prisoner." It ultimately traces its roots to Latin captīvus ("a slave or captive"), which comes from a verb related to seizing or holding.