captive
/ˈkæptɪv/
noun
- A person or animal that is held as a prisoner or confined.
- The zookeeper fed the captive a special diet.
- The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the captive.
- The soldiers freed the captives from the enemy camp.
adjective
- Held as a prisoner or confined; not free to leave.
- The zoo's captive animals are cared for by trained staff.
- The captive audience had to listen to the long speech.
- She felt captive in her own home during the storm.
- Unable to avoid or escape something, especially in a business or marketing context.
- Prisoners are a captive audience for educational programs.
- The airline has a captive market for snacks on its flights.
- The company relies on captive customers who have no other options.