English dictionary

hostage

/'h/A/st/I//dZ/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

a prisoner who is held by one party to insure that another party will meet specified terms

noun.person

Synonyms surety

Source: WordNet 3.0
A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released.

noun

Source: webster1913