Ransom Definition

rănsəm
ransomed, ransoms
noun
ransoms
The redeeming or release of a captive or of seized property by paying money or complying with other demands.
Webster's New World
The price thus paid or demanded.
Webster's New World
Deliverance from sin; redemption.
Webster's New World

(historical, law, UK) 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.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
verb
ransomed, ransoms
To obtain the release of (a captive or property) by paying the demanded price.
Webster's New World
To release after such payment.
Webster's New World
To deliver from sin; redeem.
Webster's New World
The money paid to secure the release of a person held captive, whether as a result of having been kidnapped or captured in some other way; the release of a captured person in exchange for money or other consideration. To gain the release of a captive by paying the price demanded; to hold a person captive and insist on payment as the condition of release.
Webster's New World Law

(14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.

Wiktionary

Origin of Ransom

  • From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French rançon, from stem of Latin redemptio. (See redemption.) Entered English ca. the 13th century

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English ransome from Old French rançon from Latin redēmptiō redēmptiōn- a buying back redemption

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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