HOLD HOSTAGE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "hold hostage" refers to a situation where a person or a group seizes control over another individual or a group intentionally, with the aim of compelling certain actions or concessions from the affected party. This act often involves physically restraining or confining the hostages while subjecting them to threats, coercion, or other forms of psychological intimidation.
When someone is held hostage, their well-being and safety are typically compromised, and they are deprived of their freedom and autonomy. The captors use their control over the hostages as leverage, in order to achieve specific objectives such as ransom demands, strategic advantage, political influence, or the release of incarcerated individuals. Hostage-taking often occurs in high-stress environments like criminal situations, terrorist attacks, or armed conflicts.
The act of holding hostages is considered illegal, highly immoral, and universally condemned by international law and conventions. It is seen as a violation of basic human rights and humanitarian principles. Governments, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations work together to combat hostage-taking and designate it as a punishable offense. Negotiation strategies, hostage rescue operations, and de-escalation tactics are employed to secure the release of the captives and minimize potential harm to their lives and well-being.
Common Misspellings for HOLD HOSTAGE
- hold hostaoe
- hold hostace
- hold hostaee
- hold hostagu
- hold hostagm
- hold hostaga
- hold hostagg
- holedhostage
- h old hostage
- ho ld hostage
- hol d hostage
- hold h ostage
- hold ho stage
- hold hos tage
- hold host age
- hold hosta ge
- hold hostag e
Etymology of HOLD HOSTAGE
The phrase "hold hostage" originates from two separate words: "hold" and "hostage".
The word "hold" can be traced back to the Old English word "holdan", meaning "to grasp or keep possession of". Over time, its usage expanded to include the concept of restraining or keeping someone or something under control.
The word "hostage" has its roots in the Old French term "ostage", which came from the Medieval Latin word "obsidaticum" or "obses", meaning "security" or "pledge". In the Middle Ages, nobles or important individuals would give their children or family members as hostages to demonstrate their loyalty or secure agreements between different parties.
The term "hold hostage" combines these two words to convey the act of restraining or keeping someone as a pledge or security, often with the intention of forcing certain actions or concessions from others.
Idioms with the word HOLD HOSTAGE
-
hold hostage
To hold someone or something hostage means to have power or control over them, usually in order to make certain demands or force them to act in a certain way. It can also refer to a situation where someone is being prevented from leaving or doing what they want by another person or group.
