ransom Hear it!

ransom definition - legal

n

The money paid to secure the release of a person held captive, whether as a result of having been kidnapped or captured in some other way; the release of a captured person in exchange for money or other consideration.

v

To gain the release of a captive by paying the price demanded; to hold a person captive and insist on payment as the condition of release.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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