Etymology:
Meaning:
A hostage is a person taken into custody as a pledge or guarantee for the performance of certain conditions or the fulfillment of an agreement.
Origin:
The concept of taking hostages originated in ancient times, when warring parties would seize individuals from opposing groups to ensure the safe return of their own members. These hostages were often held as prisoners or treated as slaves until the terms of the agreement were met.
In the Middle Ages, hostage-taking became a common practice during feudal conflicts and religious wars. Lords and knights would often take hostages from enemy territories to secure the payment of ransoms or to force compliance with their demands.
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, the use of hostages became increasingly regulated by international law. The Geneva Convention, adopted in 1949, established specific rules for the treatment of hostages during wartime.
Today, hostage-taking is considered a grave violation of international law and is condemned by the United Nations and other organizations. It continues to be a serious problem in certain regions of the world, particularly in areas of conflict and terrorism.
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Etymology The word host comes from the Old English word hōst which in turn is deri
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