hold someone captive

US /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
UK /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
"hold someone captive" picture
1.

to keep someone as a prisoner or in a confined space, often against their will

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The kidnappers decided to hold him captive until the ransom was paid.
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The police managed to rescue the victims who were being held captive in the basement.
:
imprisondetainconfinecaptureenslave
2.

to completely absorb someone's attention or interest

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The speaker's powerful story managed to hold the audience captive.
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The thrilling plot of the novel will hold you captive from beginning to end.
:
captivateengrossfascinatemesmerizeabsorb
:
captivatecaptivatingput someone on holdhold someone prisonerhold someone's attentionhold someone/something in contempthold