Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hostage-taker
noun
/ˈhɒstɪdʒ ˈteɪkər/
Definition
A person who holds someone captive, usually in order to demand something in return, such as money, freedom, or political concessions.
Examples
- The authorities negotiated with the hostage-taker for several hours.
- In the movie, the hostage-taker had a complex backstory that explained his motives.
- It’s crucial for law enforcement to remain calm when dealing with a hostage-taker.
Meaning
One who unlawfully seizes a person and keeps them as a hostage to use as leverage for negotiations or demands.
Synonyms
- captor
- abductor
- kidnapper
