The antonyms for the phrase "taking captive" could include words such as releasing, freeing, liberating, rescuing, and emancipating. These words indicate a sense of freedom, where someone or something is no longer held captive or under control. The opposite of taking captive can also be described as setting free, unbinding, unshackling, untethering, and unchaining. Each of these words implies a powerful sense of agency and liberation, where individuals or objects are no longer restrained or held back. These antonyms offer a completely different perspective to the idea of taking captive, showing that freedom and independence are highly valued human attributes.