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    Rehén (en. Hostage)

    /reˈen/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishSpanish
    noun
    A person who is captured and held under coercion, usually during a conflict or crime.
    The hostages were released after prolonged negotiations.
    Los rehenes fueron liberados tras negociaciones prolongadas.
    A person used as a guarantee in an extortion situation.
    The hostage was used to pressure the government.
    El rehén fue utilizado para presionar al gobierno.
    An individual who faces danger due to the actions of others.
    He became a hostage of his own family due to his decisions.
    Se convirtió en rehén de su propia familia por sus decisiones.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'rehēn' meaning 'rescued' or 'released'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to be a hostage
    To be in a situation from which one cannot escape, generally due to the pressure of others.
    ser un rehén
    hostage to one's circumstances
    A person whose life or decisions are controlled by external factors.
    rehén de sus circunstancias
    to take hostages
    To capture people as a measure of pressure.
    tomar rehenes

    Related Words

    captive
    A person who is trapped or under forced control.
    cautivo
    kidnapping
    The action of taking someone as a hostage or against their will.
    secuestro
    negotiation
    The process of discussing to reach an agreement, often related to the release of hostages.
    negociación

    Slang Meanings

    Anyone who feels trapped in a difficult situation.
    I feel like a hostage in this job.
    Me siento como un rehén en este trabajo.
    Someone who is used by others for gain.
    They use him as a hostage in every discussion.
    Lo usan como rehén en cada discusión.