Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

hostage

[hos-tij] / ˈhɒs tɪdʒ /
NOUN
person held captive until captor's demand is met
Synonyms
Antonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bakersfield City Hall, the local police headquarters, nearby buildings and multiple roads were closed during the hostage situation, as the police department's negotiation team began contacting the suspect via telephone.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

"The era in which a terrorist group held an entire nation hostage is coming to an end."

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

The new risk is different and, in some ways, harder to manage: It assumes that civilian power infrastructure becomes a military asset, a hostage or a weapon simply by existing in a conflict zone.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

He said business groups had moved to “hold hostage this city and these workers.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Yup, my life began during a hostage crisis, a revolution, and a war, which is why I didn't get to enter the world on my own time.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi




Vocabulary lists containing hostage


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "hostage" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com