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Ransom

//ˈɹæn.səm// name, noun, verb

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    A place in the United States:; A village in Allen Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, named after Thomas E. G. Ransom. countable, uncountable
  3. 3
    A place in the United States:; A minor city in Ness County, Kansas, also named after Thomas Ransom. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    A place in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Pike County, Kentucky. countable, uncountable
  5. 5
    A place in the United States:; A township and unincorporated community therein, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, named after Epaphroditus Ransom. countable, uncountable
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  1. 6
    A place in the United States:; An unincorporated community and township in Nobles County, Minnesota. countable, uncountable
  2. 7
    A place in the United States:; A township and village therein, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, named after Samuel Ransom. countable, uncountable
Noun
  1. 1
    Money paid for the freeing of a hostage. uncountable, usually

    "They were held for two million dollars ransom."

  2. 2
    the act of freeing from captivity or punishment wordnet
  3. 3
    The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration. uncountable, usually

    "prisoners hopeless of ransom"

  4. 4
    payment for the release of someone wordnet
  5. 5
    A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment. UK, historical, uncountable, usually

    "punished with imprisonment and ransom at the King's will"

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  1. 6
    money demanded for the return of a captured person wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties. obsolete
  2. 2
    exchange or buy back for money; under threat wordnet
  3. 3
    To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.

    "to ransom prisoners from an enemy"

  4. 4
    To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

    "Terrorists will continue to hold few detainees in undisclosed locations in order to ransom them for money or some other material profit, […]"

Etymology

Etymology 1

From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French raençon, from stem of Latin redēmptiō. Entered English ca. the 13th century. Doublet of redemption.

Etymology 2

From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French raençon, from stem of Latin redēmptiō. Entered English ca. the 13th century. Doublet of redemption.

See also for "ransom"

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