noun🔗ShareRehénA 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."The king took the young prince as a hostage to ensure the kingdom's loyalty to the neighboring kingdom. "El rey tomó al joven príncipe como rehén para asegurar la lealtad del reino al reino vecino.politicsgovernmentlawmilitarynationstatehistorywarsocietypersonChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRehénA 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 kidnappers held the teacher hostage to force the school to release all the valuable art supplies. "Los secuestradores tomaron al maestro como rehén para obligar a la escuela a liberar todos los valiosos materiales de arte.politicsgovernmentlawwarmilitaryactionstatepersoninhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRehénSomething that constrains one's actions because it is at risk."My fear of disappointing my parents was a hostage to my decision to go to college. "Mi miedo a decepcionar a mis padres era un rehén de mi decisión de ir a la universidad.politicsgovernmentstatelawwarmilitaryChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRehénOne who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat; one who is not free to choose their own course of action."The fear of losing his job made him a hostage to his demanding boss. "El miedo a perder su trabajo lo convirtió en rehén de su exigente jefe.personstatepoliticswarlawsocietyinhumanactionsufferingsituationeventChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareRehénThe condition of being held as security or to compel someone else to act or not act in a particular way."The teacher held the unruly student's backpack as a hostage to ensure he finished his homework. "El profesor retuvo la mochila del estudiante rebelde como rehén para asegurarse de que terminara su tarea.politicsgovernmentpolicemilitarywarlawconditionsituationactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareTomar como rehén(possibly nonstandard) To give (someone or something) as a hostage to (someone or something else)."The angry student threatened to hostage his homework until the teacher gave him extra credit. "El estudiante enfadado amenazó con tomar como rehén su tarea hasta que el profesor le diera crédito extra.politicsgovernmentmilitarywarlawactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareTomar como rehén(possibly nonstandard) To hold (someone or something) hostage, especially in a way that constrains or controls the person or thing held, or in order to exchange for something else."The bully threatened to hostage the school's prize-winning science project if the students didn't give him their lunch money. "El matón amenazó con tomar como rehén el proyecto de ciencias ganador de la escuela si los estudiantes no le daban el dinero para el almuerzo.politicsgovernmentlawmilitarywaractionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
