Ransom

/ˈrænsəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sum of money or compensation demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner.

The kidnapper demanded a ransom of one million dollars for her safe return.

the action of kidnapping someone and demanding money in exchange for their release.

The police are working to prevent ransom situations from occurring in the city.

verb

to pay or set a ransom for someone.

They had to ransom their son after he was kidnapped.

to obtain the release of someone by means of a ransom.

The wealthy family decided to ransom the captured journalist.

Middle English, from Anglo-French 'rançon', from Vulgar Latin 'redemptio', meaning 'redemption'.

run the ransom

To demand an exorbitant price or payment.

to hold for ransom

To capture someone and demand payment for their release.

ransom note

A note demanding money for the release of a captive.

kidnapping

The unlawful carrying away and confinement of a person.

hostage

A person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition.

extortion

The practice of obtaining something, particularly money, through force or threats.

Big bucks for a release.

They were asking for crazy ransom for that stolen car.

Pay for freedom or release.

He had to ransom his reputation after that scandal.