This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
hostage
[ hos-tij ]
/ ˈhɒs tɪdʒ /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a person given or held as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions or terms, promises, etc., by another.
Archaic. a security or pledge.
Obsolete. the condition of a hostage.
verb (used with object), hos·taged, hos·tag·ing.
to give (someone) as a hostage: He was hostaged to the Indians.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Origin of hostage
OTHER WORDS FROM hostage
hos·tage·ship, nounWords nearby hostage
hospital train, hospitium, hospodar, host, hosta, hostage, host computer, hostel, hosteler, hosteller, hostelling
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use hostage in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for hostage
hostage
/ (ˈhɒstɪdʒ) /
noun
a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc, as a security or pledge or for ransom, release, exchange for prisoners, etc
the state of being held as a hostage
any security or pledge
give hostages to fortune to place oneself in a position in which misfortune may strike through the loss of what one values most
Word Origin for hostage
C13: from Old French, from hoste guest, host 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012