Hostage

/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person held captive by an individual or group, often to compel a third party to act in a particular way.

The government negotiated for the release of the hostage taken during the bank robbery.

Something given or promised to ensure that a commitment will be honored.

He left his car as a hostage until the deal was finalized.

Middle English, from Old French 'ostage', from Latin 'obstaticum' meaning a pledge or hostage.

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.

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.

Being stuck in a situation where you have no control.

I felt like a hostage at that awful party with people I didn't know.

A person being negatively affected by someone else's actions.

When he didn't do his part on the project, I felt like a hostage to his negligence.