ransom Hear it!

ransom definition

ran·som (ran′səm)

noun

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

Etymology: ME raunson < OFr raençon < L redemptio, redemption

transitive verb

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

Related Forms:

Ransom definition

Ran·som (ran′səm)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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