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Hostages Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hostages

[ˈhɒs.tɪdʒɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international relations

People taken as prisoners by a person or group that wants to force a government or organization to do something.

Synonyms

abductees, captives, prisoners.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hostages

Use when referring to people held against their will, typically for ransom or leverage in negotiations. This word often implies a situation involving threats of harm or demands that need to be met.

  • The kidnappers took three hostages and demanded a large sum of money for their release
  • The hostages were held in a dark room for several days before they were rescued
captives

Describes people detained or imprisoned, often during war or conflict. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is confined in some way. This term is more general and not necessarily linked to ransom.

  • The soldiers found a group of captives held in a bunker
  • For years, he felt like a captive to his own fears and anxieties
prisoners

Typically describes individuals who are legally held in custody or jail, as a result of committing a crime or awaiting trial. It can also refer to prisoners of war.

  • The prisoners were escorted back to their cells after the trial
  • During the war, many soldiers became prisoners and were held in camps
abductees

Refers to individuals who have been taken away illegally or by force. This term is broader and can describe victims of kidnappings without necessarily involving negotiations or demands.

  • The police were searching for the abductees who were taken from the school playground
  • Several abductees managed to escape their captors and were found in the nearby forest

Examples of usage

  • The hostages were released unharmed after negotiations with the terrorist group.
  • Several hostages were held captive for months before being rescued by special forces.
Context #2 | Noun

general

People held against their will in a particular situation.

Synonyms

captives, detainees, inmates.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hostages

Used when talking about people who are held against their will by others, usually to force some action or demand ransom.

  • The kidnappers took three hostages and demanded money.
  • The terrorists held the hostages for several days.
detainees

Used when referring to individuals who are held in custody by authorities, typically in connection with legal or immigration issues.

  • The police detained several suspects for questioning.
  • The immigration office is processing the detainees.
inmates

Primarily used to describe individuals who are confined to a prison or other type of penal institution.

  • The inmates were allowed an hour of outdoor exercise.
  • She teaches art classes to inmates at the local prison.
captives

Used to describe individuals who are confined or imprisoned, often during wartime or in situations involving conflict.

  • The soldiers found the captives in an underground bunker.
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as captives.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like a hostage in her own home, unable to leave due to the heavy snow.
  • The employees were hostages to the company's financial troubles, fearing for their jobs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word has roots in medieval Latin 'hostagicus', which referred to a person taken as a promise for safety.
  • Throughout history, people have been taken as hostages in political negotiations to enforce agreements.
  • The practice dates back to ancient civilizations, where kings would take hostages to secure loyalty from rival tribes.

Literature

  • Hostage scenarios are common in suspense novels and films, adding tension and drama to the plot.
  • One notable work is 'The Hostage', a play by Brendan Behan, which explores themes of captivity and freedom.
  • In literature, hostages sometimes symbolize innocence caught in the conflict between powerful forces.

Psychology

  • Being held as a hostage can cause severe psychological trauma, leading to conditions like PTSD.
  • Survivors of hostage situations often struggle with feelings of helplessness or anxiety long after the event.
  • The 'Stockholm Syndrome' can occur, where hostages develop feelings for their captors, complicating their emotional recovery.

Pop Culture

  • Many action movies, like 'Die Hard', feature hostage situations as plot devices, highlighting heroism and rescue themes.
  • 'Hostage' is a popular video game genre, where players must strategize to save captives from criminals.
  • Television dramas often depict hostage scenarios to explore moral dilemmas and character development.

International Relations

  • Hostage-taking is often a tactic used in terrorism and political conflict to exert pressure on governments.
  • Many countries have developed specialized negotiation teams trained to resolve hostage crises peacefully.
  • International laws exist to protect hostages, yet conflicts make their enforcement challenging in certain regions.

Origin of 'hostages'

The term 'hostages' originated from the Old French word 'hostage', meaning a person handed over as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions. It has been used throughout history in various conflicts and political situations as a means of exerting pressure or control. The concept of hostages has evolved over time, with international laws now governing their treatment and release.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,504, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.