noun🔗ShareOtageA 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. "Pour s'assurer que le fils du roi reste fidèle au nouveau traité, le royaume voisin a exigé le prince et plusieurs enfants nobles comme otages, garantissant ainsi sa bonne conduite.politicsgovernmentlawwarmilitarynationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareOtagesA 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. "Les braqueurs ont exigé de l'argent et une voiture pour s'échapper en échange de la libération des otages.policemilitarywarlawgovernmentstatesocietypoliticsactionpersonsituationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareOtagesSomething 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. "Avoir des enfants, c'était comme avoir des otages du destin, car leur bien-être limitait constamment ses choix de carrière.politicsgovernmentlawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareOtagesOne 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. "Les braqueurs de banque ont pris les clients en otages pendant qu'ils attendaient le départ de la police.politicsworldgovernmentmilitarypolicewarlawsocietyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareOtagesThe 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. "Les braqueurs de banque ont pris les clients en otage pour exiger de l'argent de la police.politicsgovernmentpolicemilitarylawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading