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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 defined as the act of holding someone or something hostage in order to get a demand met, or 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

Origin: ME raunson < OFr raençon < L redemptio, 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

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.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English ransome

Origin: , from Old French rançon

Origin: , from Latin redēmptiō, redēmptiōn-, a buying back; see redemption

Related Forms:

ranˈsom·er noun

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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