hostage
UK: ˈhɒstɪdʒ | US: ˈhɑːstɪdʒ
n. a person held as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions
n. something given or held as a pledge or guarantee
The word "hostage" originates from Old French hostage, derived from hoste (meaning "guest" or "enemy," from Latin hospes "guest, stranger"). Over time, the meaning shifted from "a guest held as security" to "a person seized as a pledge." The suffix -age denotes a state or condition, reinforcing the idea of being held. The evolution reflects the historical practice of exchanging hostages to ensure treaties or ransom demands.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the release of the hostage.
During the war, soldiers were often taken as hostages.
The hostage situation was resolved peacefully after negotiations.
He felt like a hostage in his own home due to the strict lockdown.
The treaty required the exchange of hostages as a guarantee.