hold someone captive
US /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
UK /hoʊld ˈsʌmwʌn ˈkæptɪv/
1.
iemand gevangen houden, iemand vasthouden
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.
De ontvoerders besloten hem gevangen te houden totdat het losgeld was betaald.
•
The police managed to rescue the victims who were being held captive in the basement.
De politie slaagde erin de slachtoffers te redden die gevangen werden gehouden in de kelder.
2.
iemands aandacht vasthouden, iemand boeien
to completely absorb someone's attention or interest
:
•
The speaker's powerful story managed to hold the audience captive.
Het krachtige verhaal van de spreker wist het publiek te boeien.
•
The thrilling plot of the novel will hold you captive from beginning to end.
De spannende plot van de roman zal je van begin tot eind boeien.