Synonyms for hostage
- noun
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
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.
Related words
- Word family
- hostager
- Phrases
- hold hostage
Forms
- Plural
- hostages → sureties, bails, pledges, hostagers…
Example sentences
- bail Tom is stuck in jail because he can't afford bail.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| hostage | rising | |
| bail | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- bail1
- 6 letters
- pledge1, surety3
- 8 letters
- hostager
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (surety3 = 3 syllables).