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Added 8 October 2026

ransom

/ˈɹæn.səm/ noun

In Latin: pretium Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ransom at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
They were held for two million dollars ransom.
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
prisoners hopeless of ransom
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.

verb

To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
to ransom prisoners from an enemy
To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

Origin

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

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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