hold someone captive
US /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
UK /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
1.
mantener a alguien cautivo, retener a alguien
to keep someone as a prisoner or in a confined space, often against their will
:
•
The kidnappers decided to hold him captive until the ransom was paid.
Los secuestradores decidieron mantenerlo cautivo hasta que se pagara el rescate.
•
The police managed to rescue the victims who were being held captive in the basement.
La policía logró rescatar a las víctimas que estaban siendo retenidas cautivas en el sótano.
2.
cautivar la atención de alguien, mantener a alguien absorto
to completely absorb someone's attention or interest
:
•
The speaker's powerful story managed to hold the audience captive.
La poderosa historia del orador logró cautivar a la audiencia.
•
The thrilling plot of the novel will hold you captive from beginning to end.
La emocionante trama de la novela te mantendrá cautivo de principio a fin.