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Hostage
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Meaning
Noun
●
In People:
A person given as a
pledge
or security for the performance of the
conditions
of a
treaty
or
similar
agreement
, such
as to
ensure the
status
of a vassal.
●
A person
seized
in order to
compel
another
party to
act
(or
refrain
from
acting
) in a certain way, because of the
threat
of
harm
to the hostage.
●
Something that
constrains
one's
actions
because it is at risk.
●
One who is
compelled
by something, especially something that
poses
a
threat
; one who is not
free
to choose their own
course
of action.
●
The
condition
of being
held
as security or to
compel
someone else
to
act
or not
act
in a particular way.
Verb
●
To give (someone
or something
) as a
hostage
to (someone
or something
else).
*
●
To
hold
(someone
or something
)
hostage
, especially
in a way
that
constrains
or
controls
the person or
thing
held
, or in order to
exchange
f
or something
else.
*
Sourced from
Wiktionary
Origin
hostage
English
hostage
Old French (842-ca. 1400)
hospitalis
Latin
-alis
Latin
hospes
Latin
Sourced from
Etym
Related
Captive
Ransom
Prisoner
Kidnap
Kidnapping
Detainee
Terrorist
Kidnapper
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Accountable
Kidnapped
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Slave
Soldier
Diplomat
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Captives
Victim
Weapon
Spy
Refugee
Suspect
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Civilian
Dictator
Wife
Murderer
Servant
Prisoners
Puppet
Abducted
Pawn
Concubine
Bystander
Hijacker
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Massacre
Subservient
Stranger
Thief
Gang
Bribe
Woman
Threat
Susceptible
Witness
Safe
Casualty
Human Shield
Sex Slave
Suicide Bomber
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Bank Robber
Drug Lord
Political Prisoner
Prisoner Of War
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