noun someone held prisoner by one person or group in an attempt to persuade or force another person or group to satisfy certain conditions or meet certain demands.The police did what they…

noun a particular type, sort, or category.The bookstore also sells music CDs of various genres. See the full entry

adjective not rigorous, strict, or careful; loose; lenient.The lax standards at the school allowed students who could barely read to graduate. See the full entry

noun an arrangement or process in which one thing follows another; succession.The lessons are presented in a logical sequence.No one could have predicted this bizarre sequence of events.The next number in the…

noun shelter, protection, or comfort.We found refuge in a cave during the storm.Relief agencies have struggled to provide refuge for the victims of the disaster.They went into the bus station, seeking refuge…