noun
hostage
HAHS-tij/ˈhɑːstɪdʒ/
A person held captive to force someone else to meet demands.
The captor holds a hostage while another adult offers ransom money.
Etymology
Old French ostage could mean a pledge or a person given as security, connecting captivity with guaranteeing that demands will be met. Its deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
they and their vessel could be taken hostage and perhaps taken to Somalia and held there for ransom for months or even years.
More examples
- The kidnappers demand a million dollars to release the hostage.
- The gunmen take three bank employees hostage and demand a getaway car.
- Negotiators work to bring the remaining hostages home safely.
Forms
hostage · hostages