Definition

A person who is captured and held by someone, often in a dangerous situation, to ensure that certain demands are met.

Example

The police negotiated for the safe release of the hostage.

Conversation

Did you hear about that situation where they took a hostage during the protest?

Yeah, that sounds really dangerous and scary.

It's crazy how people can be used as hostages in conflicts like that.

I know, it makes you realize how serious things can get.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Hostage** → The word originates from Old French *ostage*, which means a person given as security for the performance of an agreement. This, in turn, comes from the Latin *hospitium* (meaning hospitality or a place of lodging), which is derived from *hospes* (meaning host or guest). The term evolved to refer to a person held as security, reflecting the idea of being a guest or a person in a vulnerable position.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'guest' ('hospes') who is held as security — that's why a hostage is someone kept to ensure an agreement is honored.

Visually Confused Words