hostageA person seized as a guarantee that certain terms will be fulfilled.
Definitions:
A person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition."They took the minister's son as a hostage."
ransomThe money demanded or paid for the release of a captive.
Definitions:
A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner."They demanded a ransom of $1.5 million for the businessman's release."
To pay a price to secure the release of a prisoner."The government refused to ransom the captives."
abductionThe act of forcibly taking someone away against their will.
Definitions:
The act of forcibly taking someone away against their will."The authorities are investigating the abduction of a well-known businessman."
manipulationThe act of controlling or influencing a person or situation cleverly.
Definitions:
The action of manipulating something in a skillful manner."The sculpture was made by the artist's careful manipulation of clay."
The practice of managing or influencing in an unfair manner."He's a master of emotional manipulation."
impostorA person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
Definitions:
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others or for fraudulent gain."The man was an impostor posing as a police officer."
mysteryA novel, play, or film dealing with a puzzling crime.
Definitions:
A novel, play, or film dealing with a puzzling crime especially a murder."Agatha Christie is known for her mystery novels."