Hostages: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
hostages
[ หhษs.tษชdสษชz ]
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.
general
People held against their will in a particular situation.
Synonyms
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:
๐ต๐น refรฉns
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคเคงเค
๐ฉ๐ช Geiseln
๐ฎ๐ฉ sandera
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐัััะฝะธะบะธ
๐ต๐ฑ zakลadnicy
๐ฏ๐ต ไบบ่ณช
๐ซ๐ท otages
๐ช๐ธ rehenes
๐น๐ท rehineler
๐ฐ๐ท ์ธ์ง
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑูุงุฆู
๐จ๐ฟ rukojmรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ rukojemnรญci
๐จ๐ณ ไบบ่ดจ
๐ธ๐ฎ talci
๐ฎ๐ธ gรญslar
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฑัาัะฝะดะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แขแงแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ girovlar
๐ฒ๐ฝ rehenes
Word origin
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.