Definition Synonyms
Definition of hostage - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
kidnappingperson held to ensure that an agreement is met
- The criminals took a hostage to guarantee their escape.
2.
securityperson given as security for treaty conditions
- In ancient times, a hostage was given to ensure peace.
Expressions with hostage
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keep someone captive to force others to meet demands
The criminals decided to hold hostage a prominent businessman to demand a ransom.
person dependent on chance for success
He felt like a hostage to luck in his career.
statement or action that may cause future problems
His bold promise was a hostage to fortune that could backfire.
person who captures and holds someone to force demands
The hostage taker demanded money for the release.
seize someone to force a demand or control a situation
The criminals threatened to take hostage the mayor.
act of seizing people and holding them to force demands
The government condemned the hostage taking during the conflict.
person who negotiates for hostage release
The hostage negotiator talked to the captor for hours.
used as leverage in a situation
The negotiations were stalled with the funds held as hostage.
event where people are held by force to pressure others for demands
The police surrounded the building to end the hostage situation.
planned action by authorities to free people held by force
The police launched a hostage rescue after negotiations failed.
Origin of hostage
Old French, hostage (guest)
Terms with hostage included in their meaning
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held hostage
held captive for ransom or other demands
hostage
detain someone until a ransom is paid
hostage
evidence that a hostage is still alive
psychology
emotional attachment to captors in hostage situations
history
site of a famous 1976 hostage rescue operation
law enforcement
person who negotiates for hostage release
Examples of hostage in a sentence
They held the hostage in a remote location. The hostage was exchanged at the border. Negotiations for the hostage continued for weeks.
View all translations of hostage
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:otage, ...
- German:Geisel, ...
- Italian:ostaggio, ...
- Spanish:secuestrado, ...
- Portuguese:refém, ...
- Chinese:人质, 抵押人, ...
- Japanese:人質, ...
- Arabic:رَهِينَة, ضَمين, ...
- Hebrew:בֶּן עֲרוּבָה, ...
- Russian:заложник, ...
- Ukrainian:заручник, ...
- Hindi:बंधक, गिरवी, ...
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