The phrase "hold as hostage" refers to an act of keeping someone captive or detained as a means of gaining leverage or demanding a particular demand. Some synonyms for the phrase include "keep in captivity," "take prisoner," "detain as a hostage," "hold for ransom," and "captivate." These phrases can be used interchangeably to describe the act of taking someone against their will as a bargaining tool. It is often seen as a reprehensible act, and in most cases, it is considered illegal. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and employ appropriate means to deal with any contentious issue without resorting to such extreme actions.