Definition of "ransom" in English

noun

1. Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.

   • They were held for two million dollars ransom.
   • They were held to ransom.

2. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.

   • prisoners hopeless of ransom

3. (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.

verb

1. (obsolete) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.

2. To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.

   • to ransom prisoners from an enemy

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