Hostages: meaning, definitions and examples

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hostages

 

[ หˆhษ’s.tษชdส’ษชz ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "hostages" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น refรฉns

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเค‚เคงเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Geiseln

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sandera

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐั€ัƒั‡ะฝะธะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zakล‚adnicy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไบบ่ณช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท otages

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ rehenes

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท rehineler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ธ์งˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑู‡ุงุฆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rukojmรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rukojemnรญci

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบบ่ดจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ talci

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gรญslar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฑั‚า›ั‹ะฝะดะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒงแƒ•แƒ”แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ girovlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ rehenes

Etymology

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.