hold hostage en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Meanings
- To hold as hostage. ▸ To have possession or custody of (a person) as security for performance against a treaty, a pledge, or a demand, especially now an extra-legal demand.
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To hold as hostage. ▸ To seek advantage in a situation by threatening the well-being or success of (a person or thing not directly involved in the situation).
Plans for the resumption of her nursery school were put on hold, held hostage by the polio epidemic.
2012, Andrew Clyde Little, Wheeler's Wake Volume II: A Biographical Novel, volume 2, page 189:Mr. President, when someone holds up this bill and holds it hostage, it is holding hostage the money that would go to aid victims of disaster.
1996, Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates […] :
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(of a hacker or malware) To hold as hostage. ▸ To sabotage (a computer) with intent to blackmail the owner.
Before Frank could turn in his final exam, Jigsaw held his computer hostage.
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To hold in custody or use for any advantage.
That way, a taxidriver cannot hold the traveler's luggage hostage in the trunk for more money.
2009, Brian R. Johnson, Brian Kingshott, Safe Overseas Travel: Maximizing Enjoyment by Minimizing Risk:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| holding hostage | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| held hostage | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| held hostage | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| holds hostage | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |
Relateds
Translations (8)
pl przetrzymywać jako zakładnika (Translations) · ru брать в заложники (Translations) · pl przetrzymać jako zakładnika (Translations) · ru взять в заложники (Translations) · de als Geisel halten (Translations) · fi pitää panttivankina (Translations) · de gefangen halten (Translations) · de in Geiselhaft halten (Translations)