hostage

noun hos·tage \ˈhäs-tij\

: a person who is captured by someone who demands that certain things be done before the captured person is freed

Full Definition of HOSTAGE

a : a person held by one party in a conflict as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement

b : a person taken by force to secure the taker's demands

: one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence

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Middle English, from Anglo-French, from hoste

First Known Use: 13th century

HOSTAGE Defined for Kids

noun hos·tage \ˈhä-stij\

: a person who is captured by someone who demands that certain things be done before the captured person is freed

Next Word in the Dictionary: hostageshipPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hostaAll Words Near: hostage

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