hostage

Speech parts

1. hostage - Noun

2. hostage - Verb

Meaning

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

prisoner captive pawn collateral victim surety detainee human shield gage puppet guaranty security instrument slave bond
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Antonyms

warden raid panic hesitation foreboding captor
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Hypernyms

prisoner captive

Phrases with the word

hold as hostage hold one hostage taken hostage hold somebody hostage keep somebody as a hostage political hostage

Examples

Our bodies hold our minds hostage to their whims and rhythms. Alain de Botton

It's hard being a hostage in somebody else's mouth - or a character in somebody else's novel. David Antin

Again, we saw in Bosnia - we had U.N. peacekeepers tied to trees, being taken hostage. The fact is they don't have the type of deliberate and authoritative rule that I think is needed to get the job done. Peter T. King

Every happiness is a hostage to fortune. Arthur Helps

I have led an unusual life. I have buried a father killed at age 50 and two brothers killed in the prime of their lives. I raised my children as a single mother when my husband was arrested and held for eight years without a conviction - a hostage to my political career. Benazir Bhutto

Rushdie is a hostage. Don DeLillo

Close letter words and terms

hostable Hostaceae hostaceous hostage diplomacy hostage negotiator hostage taker