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hostage
[ hos-tij ]
noun
- a person given or held as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions or terms, promises, etc., by another.
- Archaic. a security or pledge.
- Obsolete. the condition of a hostage.
verb (used with object)
- to give (someone) as a hostage:
He was hostaged to the Indians.
hostage
/ ˈɒɪ /
noun
- a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc, as a security or pledge or for ransom, release, exchange for prisoners, etc
- the state of being held as a hostage
- any security or pledge
- give hostages to fortuneto place oneself in a position in which misfortune may strike through the loss of what one values most
Other Word Forms
- Dzt· noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of hostage1
Example Sentences
Israel cut off aid on 2 March and resumed its offensive two weeks later after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, saying it was putting pressure on Hamas to release its remaining hostages.
“I appeal to the warring parties: Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!”
The Israeli military launched its offensive on Gaza in response to Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023 that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 people taken hostage.
Israel says it is putting military pressure on Hamas to release the 59 hostages it is still holding, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
Hamas reiterated that it would hand over all of the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal.
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