Crossword Genius

He was captured many years after (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hostage

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'he was captured' is the definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.

'many years after' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'host' (I've seen this in other clues).
'years' becomes 'age' (period of many years).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'host'+'age'='HOSTAGE'

Can you help me to learn more?

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

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app