The phrase "taken hostage" is pronounced /ˈteɪkən ˈhɒstɪdʒ/. The word "taken" is pronounced with the long /eɪ/ sound and the /k/ and /n/ consonant sounds. The word "hostage" is pronounced with the /h/ consonant sound followed by the short /o/ vowel sound and the /s/ and /tʃ/ consonant sounds. The phrase refers to the act of taking someone as a captive or a prisoner against their will. It is used in different contexts such as in politics, war, or criminal activities.
Taken hostage refers to the act of forcibly seizing an individual or a group of individuals against their will by an individual or a group seeking to gain leverage, ransom, or to fulfill a specific demand. This action usually involves threats, coercion, or physical force, with the intention of using the captives as a means of control or negotiation.
Once taken hostage, the individual(s) are typically isolated from the outside world, restrictively confined in a specific location, and denied basic freedoms. Their captors may utilize various means to exert power over them, such as psychological intimidation, physical harm, or the threat of death. Often, the captives are used as bargaining chips to achieve specific objectives, such as financial gain, the release of imprisoned members of the capturing group, or the fulfillment of political demands.
The act of being taken hostage can have severe psychological and physical ramifications for the captives. It subjects them to immense stress, fear, and uncertainty, as they are subjected to the mercy of their captors. The duration of their captivity and the success of any rescue or negotiation attempts significantly impact their experience. While international law and various organizations strive to protect individuals from being taken hostage, instances of hostage-taking continue to occur in different parts of the world, posing significant challenges to global security and humanitarian efforts.
The word "hostage" has its origins in the Old French word "ostege" or "hostege", which in turn comes from the Latin "hostaticum". Originally, "hostage" referred to a person given as security or a pledge, often to ensure the fulfillment of an agreement or treaty. The concept of holding someone as a hostage dates back to ancient times.
The phrase "taken hostage" is a combination of the word "taken", derived from the Old English "tacan", meaning to seize or capture, and "hostage". It is used to describe the act of forcibly seizing or capturing someone to hold them as a pledge or guarantee for negotiations or demands.