ransom
ransom Lexical Profile
ransom Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive, prisoner, or seized property.
"The noble family raised a substantial ransom to secure the release of the captured knight."
The act of freeing a prisoner or captive, or delivering someone from a penalty or obligation, in exchange for payment.
"Ancient legal codes often outlined the specific terms required for the ransom of prisoners of war."
• verb
To obtain the release of a captive or seized item by paying a demanded price.
"The crown agreed to ransom the captured diplomat before winter set in."
To hold a person or item captive and demand payment for their release, or to release them upon receiving such payment.
"Pirates in the region frequently sought to ransom merchant vessels back to their trading companies."
• Rhymes for ransom
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'rançon', which derives from Latin 'redemptionem' (meaning 'a buying back'), making 'ransom' an etymological doublet of 'redemption'.