noun Download 🔗Share 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 : "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. " politics government law war military nation Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share A 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. Examples : "The bank robbers demanded money and a getaway car in exchange for releasing the hostages. " police military war law government state society politics action person situation Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share Something that constrains one's actions because it is at risk. Examples : "Having children felt like having hostages to fortune, because their well-being constantly constrained her career choices. " politics government law Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share One who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat; one who is not free to choose their own course of action. Examples : "The bank robbers held the customers as hostages while they waited for the police to leave. " politics world government military police war law society Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share The condition of being held as security or to compel someone else to act or not act in a particular way. Examples : "The bank robbers held the customers as hostages to demand money from the police. " politics government police military law Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading