hostage vs security

hostage

noun
  • 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. 

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

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

  • 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. 

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

verb
  • 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. 

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

security

noun
  • Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law. 

  • Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments. 

  • Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan. 

  • A guarantee. 

  • The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially. 

  • Something that secures. 

  • An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order. 

  • Freedom from apprehension. 

  • A tradeable financial asset, such as a share of stock.ᵂ 

How often have the words hostage and security occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )