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.
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).
A guarantee that a certain outcome or obligation will be fulfilled; security.
A written guarantee, usually over a fixed period, provided to someone who buys a product or item, which states that repairs will be provided free of charge in case of damage or a fault.
A stipulation of an insurance policy made by an insuree, guaranteeing that the facts of the policy are true and the insurance risk is as stated, which if not fulfilled renders the policy void.
A legal agreement, either written or oral (an expressed warranty) or implied through the actions of the buyer and seller (an implied warranty), which states that the goods or property in question will be in exactly the same state as promised, such as in a sale of an item or piece of real estate.
Justification or mandate to do something, especially in terms of one’s personal conduct.
To warrant; to guarantee.