present participle of hostage

(possibly nonstandard) To give (someone or something) as a hostage to (someone or something else).

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

plural of hostage

simple past tense and past participle of hostage

plural of hostager

(obsolete) A hostage; a person held hostage.

plural of hostage negotiator

(politics, law) A person who negotiates with a person, or groups of persons, for the release of a person, or groups of persons.

To have possession or custody of (a person) as security for performance against a treaty, a pledge, or a demand, especially now an extra-legal demand.