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ransom

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To ransom is to obtain the release of someone or something that has been held hostage by paying a price. (verb)

An example of ransom is to regain custody of a child from a kidnapper by paying the money which the kidnapper has been demanding for the child's release.

Ransom is the act of holding someone or something hostage in order to get a demand met. It also refers to the money paid to get the item or person back. (noun)

An example of ransom is the money paid to a kidnapper to get a kidnapped child back.

See ransom in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the redeeming or release of a captive or of seized property by paying money or complying with other demands
the price thus paid or demanded
deliverance from sin; redemption

transitive verb

to obtain the release of (a captive or property) by paying the demanded price
Now Rare to release after such payment
to deliver from sin; redeem

Related Forms:

ransomer noun

Ransom, John Crowe 1888-1974; U.S. poet & critic

See ransom in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(rănˈsəm)

noun

a. The release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price.
b. The price or payment demanded or paid for such release.
A redemption from sin and its consequences.

transitive verb ran·somed, ran·som·ing, ran·soms

a. To obtain the release of by paying a certain price.
b. To release after receiving such a payment.
To deliver from sin and its consequences.

Related Forms:

ranˈsom·er noun

(rănˈsəm), John Crowe 1888-1974.

American poet and critic. The founder and editor (1939-1959) of the Kenyon Review, he was a leading proponent of New Criticism. His collections of poetry include Chills and Fevers (1924).

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