How to Pronounce "hold hostage"
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈhɑstɪdʒ
HOHLD HAH-stij
hˈəʊld/ /hˈɒstɪdʒ
HOHLD HOS-tij
Definition
To keep someone as a prisoner in order to force others to do what you want, often threatening harm if demands are not met.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈhɑstɪdʒ
British English
hˈəʊld/ /hˈɒstɪdʒ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HOHLD HAH-stij
UK
HOHLD HOS-tij
Listen in Context
The criminals held the hostages hostage until the police arrived.
The bank robbers threatened to hold the staff hostage.
Three people were held hostage for several hours.
Sometimes people feel like they're held hostage by their jobs.