take someone hostage

US /teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn ˈhɑːstɪdʒ/
UK /teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn ˈhɑːstɪdʒ/
"take someone hostage" picture
1.

to capture and hold someone as a prisoner in order to force another party to meet demands

:
The terrorists threatened to take someone hostage if their demands were not met.
The kidnappers decided to take someone hostage to ensure their escape.