hostage

hos·tage

noun \ˈhäs-tij\

Definition of HOSTAGE

1

a : a person held by one party in a conflict as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement b : a person taken by force to secure the taker's demands

2

: one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence

Examples of HOSTAGE

1. The terrorists demanded a plane and a pilot in exchange for the hostages.
2. The hostage crisis is now entering its second week.
3. The passengers were taken hostage.
4. They were held hostage for several days.

Origin of HOSTAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from hoste

First Known Use: 13th century