What is the name for someone who has been kidnapped?
Someone who has been kidnapped, particularly when they are held for ransom or security, is often referred to as a hostage.
Based on analysis of related terms, while words like captured, seized, shanghaied, and snatched might describe the act of taking, they are considered Weak matches for the person themselves. The term taken hostage is a stronger match, especially in scenarios where the person is being held against their will, often with demands made for their release.
A hostage is a person seized by a captor and held as security against the opponent's compliance with specified demands. Kidnapping often involves taking a person by force or deceit and holding them captive, frequently with the intent of demanding a ransom or achieving another goal. When this involves holding the person to force action or inaction from a third party, the term "hostage" accurately applies.
Why "Hostage" Fits the Context
- Reference Point: The provided reference explicitly links "held for ransom" with "taken hostage," highlighting the common scenario where someone is kidnapped for monetary or political demands.
- Purpose of Holding: Kidnapping often involves holding the victim to leverage demands from family, government, or an organization. This aligns directly with the definition of holding a person as security.
- Common Usage: In media and legal contexts, individuals who have been kidnapped and are being held by their captors are frequently described as hostages.
Related Concepts
While "hostage" is a primary term derived from the context of being held for ransom, other terms might describe the person's state or their relation to the captor:
- Captive: A more general term for someone who has been taken prisoner or confined.
- Victim: A person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime or event.
However, in the specific scenario of being kidnapped and held, especially with demands attached, "hostage" is a precise term.
Key Takeaways
- The most fitting term based on the reference, especially when linked to being held for ransom, is hostage.
- Being a hostage implies being held as leverage or security by the captor.
- Terms like captured, seized, shanghaied, and snatched describe the action of taking, not necessarily the person's state or role while being held.
