Synonyms for

Hostages

Verb / ˈhɑ:stʌdʒʌz / Another word for hostages — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Hostages are people who are held captive by someone in order to force others to do something.

Synonyms & similar words

surety hostage captives prisoners detainees abductees victims pawns slaves inmates conscripts bondservants slaves vassals serfs thralls bondmen bondswomen bondsmen bondmaids bondagers

Synonyms by register

Formal

detainees prisoners captives

Informal

pals buddies mates

Literary

pledges pawns

Antonyms

freemen liberated rescued released captives

Common collocations

  • take hostages
  • hostages released
  • hostages crisis
  • hostages situation
  • negotiate for hostages
  • hostages taken
  • hostages freed

Word family

noun hostage
verb hostage

Usage note

While 'hostages' is the plural of 'hostage', the word is often used metaphorically to refer to people or things held captive or controlled by a situation or group. The informal synonyms provided are for this metaphorical usage, not the literal meaning of people held captive.

Example sentences

  1. The terrorists took hostages and demanded a ransom.
  2. The kidnappers released the hostages after negotiations with the authorities.
  3. The embassy was attacked and several hostages were taken.
  4. The hostages were treated well by their captors.
  5. The hostages were in a state of shock after their ordeal.

Quotes

  • We can't negotiate with terrorists, because the people who are taken hostage are not the only ones at risk. The nation is at risk too. - Leon Panetta
  • I was a hostage, and I lived to write about it. - Terry Anderson
  • It's never too late to release a hostage. - Simon Wiesenthal

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words