ransom Definition
- 1a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive
- 2the act of freeing someone from captivity by paying a sum of money
Using ransom: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ransom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1 million for the safe return of the child.
Example
The pirates held the crew for ransom until their demands were met.
Example
The king paid a large ransom to free his son from captivity.
ransom Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ransom
Antonyms for ransom
Phrases with ransom
Example
The terrorists held the hostages for ransom, demanding millions of dollars in exchange for their release.
Example
The family had to pay the ransom to get their son back from the kidnappers.
Example
The kidnappers left a ransom note at the scene, demanding a large sum of money for the safe return of the victim.
Origins of ransom
from Old French 'rancion', meaning 'payment'
Summary: ransom in Brief
The term 'ransom' [ˈrænsəm] refers to the payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive, or the act of freeing someone from captivity by paying a sum of money. It is often used in situations involving kidnapping or piracy, as in 'The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1 million for the safe return of the child.' Phrases like 'hold for ransom' and 'pay the ransom' describe the actions involved in such situations.
