hold hostage

Verb

 * 1) To hold as hostage.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) To seek advantage in a situation by threatening the well-being or success of (a person or thing not directly involved in the situation).
 * 4)  To sabotage (a computer) with intent to blackmail the owner.
 * 5) To hold in custody or use for any advantage.
 * 1)  To sabotage (a computer) with intent to blackmail the owner.
 * 2) To hold in custody or use for any advantage.
 * 1) To hold in custody or use for any advantage.

Related terms

 * take hostage

Translations

 * Finnish: pitää panttivankina
 * German: als Geisel halten, in Geiselhaft halten, gefangen halten
 * Russian: брать в заложники, взять в заложники