挟持 xiéchí to seize (somebody) by the arms
to seize (somebody) by the arms; to hold under duress; to abduct
How to remember 挟持: 挟 to seize + 持 maintain = to seize (somebody) by the arms.
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How it is used
- To physically control someone by force, or hold them as leverage - 恐怖分子挟持了几名人质 (kǒngbù fènzǐ xiéchí le jǐ míng rénzhì) the terrorists held several hostages.
- Differs from 绑架 (bǎngjià, kidnap for ransom): 挟持 stresses controlling a person on the spot to use them as a shield or bargaining chip.
- Also figurative - 挟持民意 (xiéchí mínyì) hijack public opinion. Formal, news register.