ransom
//ˈræn.səm//
Noun
ransomSingular
ransomsPlural
1
A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner or captive.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million dollars.
2
The act of freeing someone by paying a demanded price.
The family paid for the ransom of their kidnapped son.
Synonym
Verb
ransomInfinitive
ransomPresent tense
ransomedPast tense
ransomedPast participle
ransomingPresent participle
ransomsThird-person singular
1
To obtain the release of a captive by paying a demanded sum.
The family ransomed their kidnapped daughter by paying the demanded amount.
2
To hold someone captive and demand payment for their release.
The criminals ransomed the businessman for a million dollars.