| 释义 |
hos·tage
I. \ˈhästij, -tēj sometimes ˈhȯs-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English ostage, hostage, from Old French, from oste, hoste host, guest + -age — more at host
1.
a. obsolete : the state of a person given or kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement, demand, or treaty
< if he stand in hostage for his safety — Shakespeare >
b. : a person in such a state
< two boys … had been held as hostages for seven years — New York Times >
c. : a pledge, security, or guarantee usually of good faith or intentions
< you know now your hostages: your uncle's word and my firm faith — Shakespeare >
2. archaic : hostel, inn
Synonyms: see pledge
II. noun
: one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence |