hold hostage

Verb

hold hostage (third-person singular simple present holds hostage, present participle holding hostage, simple past and past participle held hostage)

1. 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.
2. To seek advantage in a situation by threatening the well-being or success of (a person or thing not directly involved in the situation).
   • Mr. President, when someone holds up this bill and holds it hostage, it is holding hostage the money that would go to aid victims of disaster.1996, Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates […]
   • Plans for the resumption of her nursery school were put on hold, held hostage by the polio epidemic.2012, Andrew Clyde Little, Wheeler's Wake Volume II: A Biographical Novel, volume 2, page 189
3. To sabotage (a computer) with intent to blackmail the owner.
   • Before Frank could turn in his final exam, Jigsaw held his computer hostage.
4. To hold in custody or use for any advantage.
   • That way, a taxidriver cannot hold the traveler's luggage hostage in the trunk for more money.2009, Brian R. Johnson, Brian Kingshott, Safe Overseas Travel: Maximizing Enjoyment by Minimizing Risk