Hostage vs. Hostile — What's the Difference?

A hostage is a person seized by an abductor in order to compel another party such as a relative, employer, law enforcement or government to act, or refrain from acting, in a certain way, often under threat of serious physical harm to the hostage(s) after expiration of an ultimatum. The 1911 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica defines a hostage as "a person who is handed over by one of two belligerent parties to the other or seized as security for the carrying out of an agreement, or as a preventive measure against certain acts of war." Hostage taking is now considered a criminal activity.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy

A person held by one party in a conflict as security that specified terms will be met by the opposing party.

Feeling or showing enmity or ill will

One that serves as security against an implied threat

Being in opposition; opposed

One that is under the constraining control of another

Unfavorable to health or well-being; inhospitable or adverse

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

An antagonistic person or thing.

A person seized in order to compel another party to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain way, because of the threat of harm to the hostage.

An enemy in warfare.

Something that constrains one's actions because it is at risk.

Not friendly; appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence or a desire to thwart and injure.

One who is compelled by something, especially something that poses a threat; one who is not free to choose their own course of action.

; antagonistic.

The condition of being held as security or to compel someone else to act or not act in a particular way.

Of a hostile takeover.

To give (someone or something) as a hostage to (someone or something else).

An enemy.

To hold (someone or something) hostage, especially in a way that constrains or controls the person or thing held, or in order to exchange for something else.

Belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly; as, a hostile force; hostile intentions; a hostile country; hostile to a sudden change.

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released.

An enemy; esp., an American Indian in arms against the whites; - commonly in the plural.

A prisoner who is held by one party to insure that another party will meet specified terms

Characterized by enmity or ill will;

Not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally;

Very unfriendly;

Impossible to bring into friendly accord;

Very unfavorable to life or growth;

Marked by features that oppose constructive treatment or development;

Used of attempts to buy or take control of a business;