|
| hos·tage [ hóstij ] (plural hos·tages) |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. captive: somebody held prisoner by a person or group such as a criminal or a terrorist organization until specific demands are met or money is handed over
|
2. somebody manipulated: a person or group of people whose freedom of action is restricted or controlled by a more powerful organization by implied threats or other means
|
| [13th century. < Old French (h)ostage< late Latin obsidiatus "state of being a hostage" < sedere "sit"] |
|
a hostage to fortune a remark or action that could potentially lead to trouble or difficulty and so is better avoided
|
