Sentence examples for hold hostage from inspiring English sources

Suggestions(5)

hold kidnapping

hold captive

conduct hostage

hold prisoner

sequestration hostage

"hold hostage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to take someone captive and keep them in one place so that one is able to control or negotiate with the captors. For example, "The terrorists held the hostages in the basement until the government agreed to their demands."

Dictionary

hold hostage

verb

To 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.

Exact(36)

No longer would the "Florida factor" hold hostage a contender for President.

The New Yorker

But I hope he doesn't hold hostage these reforms to his demand for greater tax hikes.

The Guardian

"It would have to be him allowing the big, bad Republicans to hold hostage the economy for the pipeline.

The New York Times

Longoria informed him it would be ruled a home run, and repeated his threat to hold hostage the ball hit for No. 600.

The New York Times - Sports

"In light of that, let's leave Obamacare for another day and not hold hostage the vast majority of government functions," Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times

Republicans fought against each of those measures, and seem to be spoiling to hold hostage middle-class tax cuts in order to preserve tax cuts for the rich.

The New York Times

Similar(24)

BUENOS AIRES — Liberty is being held hostage.

The New York Times

And I've been held hostage".

The New York Times

"It's like we're held hostage.

The New York Times

Five firefighters were initially held hostage.

The New York Times

"LWCF is being held hostage.

The Washington Post

More suggestions(8)

hold bound

conducted hostage

hold driven

held hostage

hold held

hold restricted

hold trapped

hold targeted

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