hold hostage

present singular third person holds hostage · participle present holding hostage · participle past held hostage · past held hostage

1. To hold as hostage.
   1. idiomaticTo 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.

      1 more example

      Their connection to Tippu Tip, though, would hurt the expedition, as villagers along the route refused to trade with them, having been personally affected by Tippu’s slave raids. So Jameson and his party had sometimes resorted to kidnapping women and holding them hostage until the communities gave them food.

      2026 September 3, Nicholas Muhoro, “The Horrific History of Child Cannibalism in the Congo”, in Skip Boring, archived from the original on 04 Sep 2026

   2. idiomaticTo seek advantage in a situation by threatening the well-being or success of (a person or thing not directly involved in the situation).

      Plans for the resumption of her nursery school were put on hold, held hostage by the polio epidemic.

      2012, Andrew Clyde Little, Wheeler's Wake Volume II: A Biographical Novel, volume 2, page 189

      1 more example

      Mr. President, when someone holds up this bill and holds it hostage, it is holding hostage the money that would go to aid victims of disaster.

      1996, Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates […]

   3. idiomaticcomputerTo sabotage (a computer) with intent to blackmail the owner.

      Before Frank could turn in his final exam, Jigsaw held his computer hostage.

2. idiomaticTo hold in custody or use for any advantage.

   That way, a taxidriver cannot hold the traveler's luggage hostage in the trunk for more money.

   2009, Brian R. Johnson, Brian Kingshott, Safe Overseas Travel: Maximizing Enjoyment by Minimizing Risk