1. a person who is captured and held prisoner by someone demanding certain conditions be met for their release
2. a person or thing whose safety or well-being is used as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions
Usage: often used figuratively

Examples

• The terrorists took several hostages during the bank robbery.
• The government refused to negotiate with the hostage takers.
• She was held hostage for three days before being rescued.
• The company’s reputation became a hostage to the scandal.
• He felt like a hostage to his own success.
• The peace talks were held hostage by disagreements over territory.