C1noun 5K

Hostage

UK /["/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/"]/ US /["/ˈhɑːstɪdʒ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

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

Listen to definition

In simple words: A person who is kept as a prisoner to force others to do something.

Examples

• 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

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

• hold (somebody)
• keep (somebody)
• seize

Synonyms

• prisoner
• captive
• detainee
• victim

Antonyms

• freedom
• liberty

Common mistakes

• 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.