hostages

/HH AA1 S T AH0 JH AH0 Z/

noun

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.
2
A person seized in order to compel another party to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain way, because of the threat of harm to the hostage.
3
Something that constrains one's actions because it is at risk.
4
One who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat; one who is not free to choose their own course of action.
5
The condition of being held as security or to compel someone else to act or not act in a particular way.

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