HOSTAGE


Meaning of HOSTAGE in English

I. ˈhästij, -tēj sometimes ˈhȯs- noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English ostage, hostage, from Old French, from oste, hoste host, guest + -age — more at host

1.

a. obsolete : the state of a person given or kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement, demand, or treaty

if he stand in hostage for his safety — Shakespeare

b. : a person in such a state

two boys … had been held as hostages for seven years — New York Times

c. : a pledge, security, or guarantee usually of good faith or intentions

you know now your hostages: your uncle's word and my firm faith — Shakespeare

2. archaic : hostel , inn

Synonyms: see pledge

II. noun

: one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.