Hostage-taker

A hostage-taker is an individual, often acting in a criminal capacity, who unlawfully seizes and holds one or more persons against their will, usually to demand concessions such as ransom, political favors, or specific actions from authorities. This act often instills fear and urgency in negotiations.

Hostage-taker meaning with examples

• During the intense standoff, the hostage-taker made demands for a safe passage as well as financial compensation, leaving the authorities scrambling to find a solution that would ensure the victims' safety while addressing the criminal's requests.
• In an effort to negotiate safely with the hostage-taker, the crisis team deployed trained negotiators who aimed to build rapport and persuade the individual to release the hostages without further harm or escalation.
• The tragic news coverage highlighted the desperation of the hostage-taker, whose actions stemmed from a complex web of personal grievances and societal issues, leaving many to question the circumstances that drove him to such extreme measures.
• Following several hours of tense negotiations, law enforcement finally apprehended the hostage-taker, freeing the captives unharmed and raising discussions about mental health support and intervention for individuals in crisis situations.