hostage

• 名词，指被一方劫持或扣押的人，通常被用作迫使对方满足要求的手段，以换取释放。

A noun referring to a person who is captured and held by another party, typically as a means of coercion or to secure demands.

1. Person held captiveB2formal

   A person who is captured and held by someone, often to force others to meet demands.

   人质

   • The terrorists took several hostages during the bank robbery.
   • The government negotiated for the release of the hostages.
   • He was held hostage for three days before being rescued.

   同义词captiveprisoner

2. Figurative: controlled by circumstancesC1informal

   A person or thing that is under the control of external forces or circumstances.

   人质（比喻义）

   • The company became a hostage to its own debt.
   • She felt like a hostage to her demanding job.
   • The project is a hostage to the committee's approval.

   同义词captivepawnpreypuppetslavevictim