noun🔗ShareA 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."To ensure the king's son remained loyal to the new treaty, the neighboring kingdom demanded the prince and several noble children as hostages, guaranteeing his good behavior. "politicsgovernmentlawwarmilitarynationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareA person seized in order to compel another party to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain way, because of the threat of harm to the hostage."The bank robbers demanded money and a getaway car in exchange for releasing the hostages. "policemilitarywarlawgovernmentstatesocietypoliticsactionpersonsituationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareSomething that constrains one's actions because it is at risk."Having children felt like having hostages to fortune, because their well-being constantly constrained her career choices. "politicsgovernmentlawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareOne who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat; one who is not free to choose their own course of action."The bank robbers held the customers as hostages while they waited for the police to leave. "politicsworldgovernmentmilitarypolicewarlawsocietyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareThe condition of being held as security or to compel someone else to act or not act in a particular way."The bank robbers held the customers as hostages to demand money from the police. "politicsgovernmentpolicemilitarylawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
