[[quoteright:300:[[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/meh.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:300:It's not as dirty as it looks.]]

When a foreign entity like that of a [[TheSymbiote Symbiote]], BodySnatcher, or even a [[TheCracker Hacker]] ([[HackYourEnemy when regarding machines like robots and computers]]) enters/outright hijacks a body, the possessed subject is called the Host, while the possessing subject is the Guest (taken from the terminology used with parasites).

The basic purpose of the host varies on what the point was for it to have been hijacked in the first place. Sometimes it's used as a disguise, other times it's used as a decoy and distraction, even simply being a weapon or piece of armor that the possessor uses to cause sheer chaos and destruction. And then, sometimes... a host can be used for titillation.

For details on the passive/aggressive relationships a Host can have with its "Guest," view TheSymbiote. [[JustForFun/IThoughtThatWas Has absolutely zilch to do with]] TheHost.

TruthInTelevision for many people who believe it is possible for a [[ISeeDeadPeople Spirit Medium]] to be "hijacked", or more often, invite one or more "guests" in as a WillingChanneler. Some host/spirit-guest relationships coexist in friendly association, and can last for decades similar to a SplitPersonalityTeam. An uninvited but harmless or beneficial "hijacking" guest is called a "walk-in"; this can happen with mediums or ordinary people, often after a life-threatening event.

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!!{{Subtrope}}s:

[[index]]

* BigDumbBody: A host with little intelligence but which is desirable for its physical prowess and durability.
* BrainUploading: A computer host has the mind of a (once) living creature as the guest.
* ClothesMakeTheManiac: An evil set of clothes or item that takes over its wearer/user.
* CustomBuiltHost: A host body is specifically designed to be possessed by the guest.
* DemonicPossession: The "guest" is a demonic or other supernatural entity.
* EmptyShell: A host that's without resistance from being taken over.
* EvilMask: A mask, helmet, or other headgear that has some form of corrupting influence on its wearer.
* FamilialBodySnatcher: Someone takes over the bodies of their own relatives.
* FightingFromTheInside: The original inhabitant of the host's body fights back against the possessing entity.
* GrandTheftMe: Someone enters someone else's consciousness and tries to wrest control from within.
* HauntedFetter: An inanimate object or place that is possessed by a ghost/spirit as a way of binding itself to the realm of the living.
* HauntedTechnology: A machine with a ghost/spirit in it.
* HeroicHost: A host with a SuperHeroOrigin of getting their superpowers from their guest.
* KillTheHostBody: Killing possessor and host together.
* LivingBodysuit: A host chosen as a disguise by the guest for reasons of secrecy and espionage.
* MeatPuppet: A biological host, controlled by the guest.
* NewBodyOldAbilities: No matter the body of the host, the guest can use their old abilities.
* ParasiteZombie: A corpse used as a host for a parasitic "guest".
* ParasiticImmortality: A person prolongs their life by jumping from one body to another.
* PlanetaryParasite: An entire planet is the host of a guest who needs to reproduce.
* PossessingADeadBody: A dead body that is reanimated by an inhabiting spirit.
* PossessionBurnout: The side-effects of straining the host.
* PossessionLevitation: The host floats during a DemonicPossession.
* PowersViaPossession: Possession by the guest grants the host "powers" or "abilities".
* PuppeteerParasite: A physical guest parasitically controls the host, often for malicious purposes.
* RaisedAsAHost: An individual is conceived, born and raised for the purpose of being taken over.
* SeeingThroughAnothersEyes: The guest is using the senses of the host.
* SinInvitesPossession: Being evil makes the host an easy target for supernatural possession.
* SoullessShell: A body, but no soul.
* TheSymbiote: A living guest inside a living host.
* SymbioticPossession: Guest and host both work together without the invader forcing control over the host.
* TransformationOfThePossessed: Possession changes your appearance.
* TrappedInTheHost: The spirit, demon, or whatever that is possessing a body gets trapped in it and cannot get out.
* TwoSiblingsInOne: When a sibling lives on within you... literally.
* WetwareBody: A biological body host has a computer as the guest.
* WillingChanneler: A host who ''wants'' to be controlled, or at least isn't against having their body used by an outside party.
[[/index]]

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