Hostage: meaning, definitions and examples

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hostage

[ ˈhɒstɪdʒ ]

^{Context #1}

international relations

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

Synonyms

captive, detainee, prisoner

Examples of usage

The hostages were released unharmed after negotiations.
The terrorist group demanded a ransom in exchange for the hostages.

^{Context #2}

general

A person who is controlled by an outside influence.

Synonyms

pawn, slaves, victim

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "hostage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refém

🇮🇳 बंधक

🇩🇪 Geisel

🇮🇩 sandera

🇺🇦 заручник

🇵🇱 zakładnik

🇯🇵 人質

🇫🇷 otage

🇪🇸 rehén

🇹🇷 rehine

🇰🇷 인질

🇸🇦 رهينة

🇨🇿 rukojmí

🇸🇰 rukojemník

🇨🇳 人质

🇸🇮 talec

🇮🇸 gísl

🇰🇿 тұтқын

🇬🇪 პატიმარი

🇦🇿 girov

🇲🇽 rehén

Word origin

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.