Cool MateMeaning of Hostage
a person who is captured and held prisoner by a person or group, and who may be injured or killed if people do not do what the person or group is asking
In simple words: A person who is kept as a prisoner to force others to do something.
Hostage in a sentence
- Three children were **taken hostage** during the bank robbery.
- He was **held hostage** for almost a year.
- The government is negotiating the release of the hostages.
- The hijackers kept the pilot as a hostage on board the plane.
- The gunmen took 24 hostages.
- diplomatic efforts to get the hostages released
How to use Hostage
Used in contexts involving crime or negotiation. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing serious events. Common in news reports or discussions about security.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'host' + 'caged' — a host is trapped.
Related words
Collocations with Hostage
- hold (somebody)
- keep (somebody)
- seize
Common mistakes with Hostage
- Confused with 'host' — 'hostage' refers to a prisoner.
- Mispronouncing the word as 'h-o-s-t-age' instead of 'h-o-s-t-ij.'
- Using 'hostage' in a non-serious context, which can be insensitive.
Hostage appears in
Hostage in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
رهينة
شخص يُحتجز كسجين لإجبار الآخرين على فعل شيء ما.
- Bengaliবাংলা
জিম্মি
এমন একজন ব্যক্তি যাকে অন্যকে কিছু করতে বাধ্য করার জন্য বন্দী করে রাখা হয়।
- GermanDeutsch
Geisel
Eine Person, die als Gefangener festgehalten wird, um andere zu etwas zu zwingen.
- SpanishEspañol
Rehén
Una persona que es mantenida como prisionera para obligar a otros a hacer algo.
- Persianفارسی
گروگان
کسی که برای مجبور کردن دیگران به انجام کاری، او را زندانی نگه میدارند.
- FrenchFrançais
otage
Une personne gardée en otage pour forcer d'autres à faire quelque chose.
- Hindiहिन्दी
बंधक
एक व्यक्ति जिसे दूसरों को कुछ करने के लिए मजबूर करने के लिए बंदी बनाया जाता है।
- ItalianItaliano
Ostaggio
Una persona tenuta prigioniera per costringere altri a fare qualcosa.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Refém
Uma pessoa que é mantida como prisioneira para forçar outros a fazerem algo.
- RussianРусский
Заложник
Человек, которого держат в плену, чтобы заставить других что-то сделать.
- Urduاردو
یرغمال، یرغمالی
ایک شخص جسے دوسروں کو کچھ کرنے پر مجبور کرنے کے لیے قیدی بنایا جاتا ہے۔
- Chinese中文
人质
被当作囚犯以迫使他人做某事的人。
More words like Hostage
- Prisoner
- Captive
- Victim
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
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Frequently asked questions about Hostage
What does Hostage mean?
A person who is kept as a prisoner to force others to do something.
What is the definition of Hostage?
a person who is captured and held prisoner by a person or group, and who may be injured or killed if people do not do what the person or group is asking
How do you use Hostage in a sentence?
Three children were **taken hostage** during the bank robbery.
Can you give another example of Hostage?
He was **held hostage** for almost a year.
What are synonyms for Hostage?
Common alternatives include prisoner, captive, detainee, victim.
What is the opposite of Hostage?
Opposite meanings include freedom, liberty.
What words go with Hostage?
It commonly pairs with hold (somebody), keep (somebody), seize.
What are common mistakes when using Hostage?
Confused with 'host' — 'hostage' refers to a prisoner. Mispronouncing the word as 'h-o-s-t-age' instead of 'h-o-s-t-ij.' Using 'hostage' in a non-serious context, which can be insensitive.
How do you pronounce Hostage?
US: /["/ˈhɑːstɪdʒ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Hostage?
Used in contexts involving crime or negotiation. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing serious events. Common in news reports or discussions about security.
What CEFR level is Hostage?
"Hostage" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.