hostage
Translation
hostage
Examples
The kidnappers took one hostage.
The kidnappers took one hostage.
He was held hostage for three months.
He was held hostage for three months.
Grammar Patterns
to take ((sb.)) hostage to capture (sb.) and hold them as a hostage The robbers took an employee hostage.
to be held hostage to be kept as a hostage He was held hostage for a week.
Similar Words
Synonyms: captive, prisoner
Etymology
From Old French 'ostage', related to 'host'. It originally meant a person given to another as a pledge.
Memory Tips
Imagine a person forced to be a 'guest' (related to 'host') against their will.