Meaning
One who has been captured or is otherwise confined.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
Inherited from Middle English captif; derived from Latin captīvus, probably through a borrowing from a Middle French intermediate. Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap- (“seize, hold”). Doublet of caitiff.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
non-captivenoncaptive
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram: