hostage

Meanings

• noun

  A person or object held in the possession of or control of an enemy or adversary as a condition for the release of captives or for ransom.

  - "The terrorists took hostages in the embassy."
  - "The police negotiated for the release of the hostages."
  - "The company paid a large ransom for the safe return of their hostages."

• verb

  To seize and detain (someone) as a pledge or security.

  - "The government hostaged the opposition leader's brother to ensure his cooperation."
  - "The bank refused to release the funds until the loan was fully repaid, effectively hostaging the company's assets."

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Pronunciation

1. /ˈhɑstɪdʒ/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1780153"

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with hostage
astonish , chastise , enlist , glisten , list , mist , pistol , sustain , vastly

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Variants

List of all variants of hostage that leads to same result
hostage , hostages , hostage crisis , a hostage to fortune

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Old French hostage, from hoste 'guest' + gage 'pledge, ransom'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'hostage' comes from the Old French word 'hostage', which means 'guest' or 'hospitality'.

2. In medieval Europe, it was common for kings to exchange hostages as a sign of good faith and to ensure peace between their realms.

3. The longest recorded hostage situation in history took place during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673, which lasted for over 11 months.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Ransom: A sum of money or other valuable consideration demanded and paid for the release of captives.

2. Kidnapping: The act of forcibly taking and carrying away a person or persons against their will.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature and art, hostages have been used as a symbol of power and control, as well as a motif in stories of kidnapping and ransom. For example, in Shakespeare's play 'The Winter's Tale', Leontes falsely accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity and has their newborn daughter Perdita taken as a hostage.

How to Memorize "hostage"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a person being held against their will in a room, with guards outside. Visualize the negotiation process, the tension and fear, and the relief when the hostages are finally released.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'hostage' with the idea of control and power, or with the concept of a 'guest' who is being kept against their will.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic using the word HOSTAGE: Held Oppressed, Surrounded, Tension, Anxiety, Guards.

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