hostage

[hos-tij] / ˈhɒs tɪdʒ /

NOUN

person held captive until captor's demand is met

Synonyms

STRONGEST

captive prisoner victim

STRONG

earnest guaranty pawn pledge scapegoat security surety token

WEAK

sacrificial lamb

Antonyms

WEAK

captor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

France has described Kohler and Paris as "state hostages" taken by Tehran in a bid to extract concessions.

From Barron's

He has also called for the release of Israeli hostages.

From Barron's

For instance, President Jimmy Carter sanctioned Iran when it seized U.S. hostages in the 1970s.

From Barron's

Hamas also released 20 living hostages and returned the bodies of 27 others.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paluku meanwhile had a darker expression, recalling his sister who remains a hostage.

From Barron's