This is the 488th most frequent German word.
geiseln
The German word "geiseln" means "to take or hold hostage."
Here, 'Geiseln' is used as a noun to refer to hostages.
Die Entführer drohten, die Geiseln freizulassen.
The kidnappers threatened to release the hostages.
'geiseln' is used as a verb to describe the act of taking hostages.
Man sollte niemals Menschen geiseln, um Forderungen durchzusetzen.
One should never take hostages to enforce demands.
Again, 'Geiseln' is used as a noun, showing individuals held as hostages.