Hostage

Definition

Hostage refers to a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑstɪdʒ/
• Respelling: HAH-stij (with "HAH" as in "hot" and "stij" as in "stitch" but with a "j" sound at the end)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɒstɪdʒ/
• Respelling: HOS-tij (with "HOS" as in "hot" and "tij" as in "stitch" but with a "j" sound at the end)

In both dialects, "hostage" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HAH" or "HOS." The pronunciation is similar across American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HAH-stij" or "HOS-tij."

Etymology

The word "hostage" traces its origins to the Middle English word "hostage," from the Old French "hostage" or "ostage," based on the Latin "hostis" meaning "stranger, enemy."

Derivatives

• Hostageship (noun)
• Hostager (noun)
• Hostage-taking (noun)
• Hostage-taker (noun)
• Dehostage (verb)

Synonyms

• Captive
• Prisoner
• Detainee

Antonyms

• Liberator
• Rescuer
• Guardian

Usage

The term "hostage" is often used in situations involving kidnapping, terrorism, and warfare, where individuals are held to force others into meeting demands. It is also used in broader contexts to describe situations where someone's freedom or safety is compromised as leverage.

Related Terms

• Kidnapper
• Ransom
• Abduction
• Negotiation
• Sequester

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Person Held as Security: A person seized or held by one party to ensure that another party fulfills certain conditions or agreements.
  • Example: The rebels took several hostages to force the government into negotiations.

• Leverage in Negotiations: Someone held against their will to influence the actions or decisions of others.
  • Example: The criminals used the bank employees as hostages during the heist.

• Metaphorical Usage: Refers to situations where a person's actions or decisions are heavily influenced or controlled by external pressures or threats.
  • Example: The politician claimed to be a hostage to the demands of his party.

Note: The term "hostage" often invokes intense emotions due to its association with involuntary confinement and potential harm. It's frequently used in situations of power imbalance where one party seeks leverage over another.