Background for hostage
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hostage

/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/ /ˈhɑstɪdʒ/

Meanings
noun
A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

Examples :

"The king took the young prince as a hostage to ensure the kingdom's loyalty to the neighboring kingdom. "
politics government law military nation state history war society person

Related Words

Illustration something

something noun

/ˈsamθɪŋ/ /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

An object whose nature is yet to be defined.

"My friend told me there was something in the box, but I didn't know what it was yet. "

Illustration nonstandard

nonstandard noun

/ˌnɑnˈstændərd/ /ˌnɑnˈstændəd/

Something that is not standard.

"The teacher's use of nonstandard English vocabulary confused some students. "

Illustration conditions

conditions noun

/kənˈdɪʃənz/

A logical clause or phrase that a conditional statement uses. The phrase can either be true or false.

"The program will run smoothly under these conditions: the computer has enough memory and the internet connection is stable. "

Illustration especially

especially adverb

/əˈspɛʃ(ə)li/

(manner) In a special manner; specially.

"My sister is very helpful, especially when it comes to organizing things. "

Illustration particular

particular noun

/pəˈtɪkjələ/ /pəˈtɪkjəlɚ/

A small individual part of something larger; a detail, a point.

"The teacher pointed out a particular detail in the math problem that several students missed. "

Illustration neighboring

neighboring adjective

/ˈneɪbəɹɪŋ/

Situated or living nearby or adjacent to.

"My neighboring school has a great sports program. "

Illustration threatened

threatened verb

/ˈθɹɛt.n̩d/

To make a threat against someone; to use threats.

"He threatened me with a knife."

Illustration disappointing

disappointing verb

/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/ /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪn/

To sadden or displease (someone) by underperforming, or by not delivering something promised or hoped for.

"His lack of respect disappointed her."

Illustration constrains

constrains verb

/kənˈstreɪnz/ /kənˈstɹeɪnz/

To force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.

"The heavy backpack constrains my movement, making it hard to walk quickly. "

Illustration kidnappers

kidnappers noun

/ˈkɪdnæpərz/ /ˈkɪdnæptərz/

A person who kidnaps someone.

"The kidnappers demanded a large sum of money for the safe return of the businessman. "

Illustration agreement

agreement noun

/əˈɡɹiːmənt/

An understanding between entities to follow a specific course of conduct.

"to enter an agreement;  the UK and US negotiators nearing agreement;  he nodded his agreement."

Illustration performance

performance noun

[pə.ˈfɔː.məns] [pɚ.ˈfɔɹ.məns]

The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.

"the performance of an undertaking or a duty"