noun
lo ostaggio
hostage
Definition & meaning
Ostaggio means hostage: a person held captive to force someone else to meet demands or act in a certain way.
It can also be used figuratively for someone who is unable to act freely because of a person, situation, or circumstance.
Grammar & Word origin
A masculine noun: l’ostaggio, plural gli ostaggi. It can refer to a person of any gender.
It comes from Old French ostage, meaning “hostage” or “guarantee.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- prigioniero — “prisoner”; a broader term that does not necessarily imply demands.
- sequestrato — “kidnapped person”; emphasizes unlawful confinement rather than the purpose of exerting pressure.
There is no exact single-word antonym.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Il poliziotto libera un ostaggio.noun
The policeman frees a hostage.
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