proof of life
Captive still alive
Proof of life is evidence that a kidnapped or captive person is still alive, typically demanded before ransom negotiations proceed.
Captors might provide a photograph with a current newspaper or a video of the hostage speaking: The family refused to pay until they received proof of life.
The phrase extends to any verification that someone or something still exists or functions: I haven't heard from him in months—send proof of life.
- hostageCaptive held as security
- hostage situationCrisis involving held captives
- heartbeatRhythmic cardiac contraction
- missing personsUnlocated individuals sought by authorities
- ransomPayment for captive's release
ransom demand · support · rescue · safe and sound · timestamp · surety · negotiation · deadline · crisis management · survival · loved ones · next of kin · kidnapping · video evidence · captivity · mediator · newspaper headline · confirmation
- Kidnappingkidnapping, hostage, captive, ransom note, kidnapper
proof of lifedeath certificate
Official record of passing
death notification · obituary · death notice · autopsy report · coroner's report
proof of liferadio silence
Absence of broadcast communication
disappearance · vanishing · gone dark · presumed dead · lost contact
life, lively, proof, lifetime, lifelong, lifelike, proofs, lifespan