Meaning & Definition of word "Hostage"
Hostage
/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/
noun:
- 1. A person held captive by an individual or group, often to compel a third party to act in a particular way.
- Example: The government negotiated for the release of the hostage taken during the bank robbery.
- 2. Something given or promised to ensure that a commitment will be honored.
- Example: He left his car as a hostage until the deal was finalized.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'ostage', from Latin 'obstaticum' meaning a pledge or hostage.
Common Phrases and Expressions
take a hostage:
To capture someone for leverage in negotiations.
hostage situation:
A scenario in which a person is captured and held against their will.
hostage to fortune:
A person or thing that is vulnerable to misfortune or risk.
Related Words
kidnapping:
The unlawful carrying away of a person by force or fraud.
bargaining chip:
An advantage or opportunity that one party can use to negotiate.
captivity:
The state of being imprisoned or confined.
Slang Meanings of hostage
Meaning: Being stuck in a situation where you have no control.
● Example Sentence: I felt like a hostage at that awful party with people I didn't know.
Meaning: A person being negatively affected by someone else's actions.
● Example Sentence: When he didn't do his part on the project, I felt like a hostage to his negligence.