Words / C1

HOST-ij/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/

A hostage is a person held to force someone else to act; also, figuratively, something trapped (a hostage to fortune): hold hostage, a hostage to the password list. Prisoner is everyday and wider. Host (already in the dictionary) welcomes guests — a vicious lookalike. Do not call a delayed train a hostage situation.

Meaning

A person held prisoner in order to force someone else to act; also, something trapped as if by force (a hostage to fortune).

Examples

• “The spare key was a hostage to the first person who photocopied it.”
• “The spare admin password was a hostage to whoever photocopied the cupboard list.”
• “A hostage to fortune is a promise that can be used against you later.”

Good to know

A person held to force a deal; figurative: trapped / a hostage to fortune. Mix-up: host (welcomes guests). Not a late train.

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