hostage

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈhɒs.tɪd͡ʒ/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈhɑs.tɪd͡ʒ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: hos‧tage

Noun

Singular hostage

Plural hostages

1. (countable) A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of an action or act; that upon completion of that act the person is to be released.