Crossword Genius

Army taking time to get one desiring release (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hostage

'one desiring release' is the definition.
(hostages are held against their will)

'army taking time' is the wordplay.
'army' becomes 'host' (host is a kind of army).
'taking' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 'age' (an age is a period of time).
'host'+'age'='HOSTAGE'

'to get' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for hostage that I've seen before include "Prisoner - pawn" , "One held for ransom" , "One held captive" , "Detainee - gash toe (anag)" , "Captive held for ransom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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