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Hostage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hostage

[หˆhษ’stษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international relations

A person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition.

Synonyms

captive, detainee, prisoner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hostage

Used when someone is taken and held, usually by force or threat, to compel another party to act, or not act, in a certain way.

  • The kidnappers took the businessman hostage and demanded a ransom.
  • During the bank robbery, several customers were held hostage.
captive

Refers to someone who is being held against their will, often in a context of conflict or war, but can also have broader applications.

  • The soldiers found the captive in a hidden bunker.
  • He felt like a captive in his own home due to the strict lockdown.
prisoner

Used to describe someone who is held in a prison, usually after being convicted of a crime, but can also refer to someone captured during war.

  • The prisoner was serving a life sentence for murder.
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as prisoners.
detainee

Refers to someone who is held in custody, typically by law enforcement or government authorities, for questioning or further investigation.

  • The police detained several suspects for questioning.
  • He was a detainee at the immigration center while his application was processed.

Examples of usage

  • The hostages were released unharmed after negotiations.
  • The terrorist group demanded a ransom in exchange for the hostages.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who is controlled by an outside influence.

Synonyms

pawn, slaves, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hostage

Typically used in situations where someone is captured and held against their will to force someone else to meet certain demands.

  • The kidnappers took the tourists as hostages and demanded a ransom.
  • She was held hostage in the bank for three hours before the police arrived.
victim

Used to describe someone who suffers harm or hardship as a result of a negative situation or action by others. Does not necessarily imply being captured or held, but rather experiencing adversity.

  • She was a victim of identity theft and lost all her savings.
  • The earthquake left many victims in its wake, with people losing their homes and loved ones.
pawn

Used metaphorically to indicate someone who is being used by others for their own benefit, often without realizing it. Can also refer to a chess piece of the lowest value.

  • He felt like a pawn in his boss's game, always being manipulated for company interests.
  • In his strategy, he sacrificed a pawn to gain a better position on the board.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like a hostage to her own emotions.
  • He was a hostage to his addiction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Throughout history, hostages have been used in warfare as guarantees for peace treaties or to secure the loyalty of a group.
  • In ancient Rome, it was common to take children of enemy leaders as hostages, ensuring compliance from their families.
  • The American Civil War saw instances where both sides took hostages, escalating tensions and complicating negotiations.

Psychology

  • Hostage situations can lead to a phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome, where hostages develop feelings of empathy or affection for their captors.
  • The psychological impact of being held as a hostage can lead to long-term trauma, affecting mental health even after release.
  • Survivors of hostage situations often experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which requires extensive support for recovery.

Legal Aspects

  • International law regards taking hostages as a serious crime, often classified as a violation of human rights.
  • Various treaties, such as the Geneva Conventions, set forth rules regarding the treatment of hostages in conflicts.
  • Some countries have specific laws prohibiting hostage-taking, guiding law enforcement responses to such situations.

Pop Culture

  • Hostage situations are a popular theme in movies and TV shows, often portraying intense drama and moral dilemmas.
  • The 1996 film 'The Rock' depicted a fictional hostage crisis involving a rogue military group threatening San Francisco.
  • Television series like '24' often feature plotlines centered around hostage rescues, highlighting the tension and urgency of such scenarios.

Origin of 'hostage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hostage' comes from the Old French term 'ostage', which means 'a pledge' or 'security'.
  • This term is rooted in the Latin word 'hospitium', referring to hospitality, showing the bond between host and guest.
  • Historically, hostages were often taken to ensure agreements were honored between groups.

The word 'hostage' originated from the Old French word 'hostage', which meant 'a person handed over as a pledge'. It was derived from the Latin word 'hostia', meaning 'sacrifice' or 'victim'. The concept of hostages has been present throughout history, often used as a means of ensuring compliance or negotiation in various conflicts.

See also: host, hostages, hostel, hostile, hosting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,110, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.