ransom

¹ American  

[ran-suhm] / ˈræn səm /

noun

1. the redemption of a prisoner or kidnapped person, of captured goods, etc., for a price.

   Synonyms:

   release, liberation, deliverance

2. the sum or price paid or demanded.

3. a means of deliverance or rescue from punishment for sin, especially the payment of a redemptive fine.

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verb (used with object)

1. to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price.

2. to release or restore on receipt of a ransom.

3. to deliver or redeem from punishment for sin.

Ransom ² American  

[ran-suhm] / ˈræn səm /

noun

1. John Crowe 1888–1974, U.S. poet, critic, and teacher.

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ransom ¹ British  

/ ˈrænsəm /

noun

1. the release of captured prisoners, property, etc, on payment of a stipulated price

2. the price demanded or stipulated for such a release

3. rescue or redemption of any kind

4. 1. to keep (prisoners, property, etc) in confinement until payment for their release is made or received

   2. to attempt to force (a person or persons) to comply with one's demands

5. a very large amount of money or valuables

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verb

1. to pay a stipulated price and so obtain the release of (prisoners, property, etc)

2. to set free (prisoners, property, etc) upon receiving the payment demanded

3. to redeem; rescue

   Christ ransomed men from sin

Ransom ² British  

/ ˈrænsəm /

noun

1. John Crowe . 1888–1974, US poet and critic

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ransom Idioms  

1. see king's ransom.

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Usage

What does ransom mean? A ransom is the money or goods demanded to be paid in exchange for the release of a captured or kidnapped person or piece of property. Ransom also commonly refers to the amount of money that the captor demands. It can also refer to such an exchange or the act of releasing a person or property for a price, as in The duke’s ransom depended on his wife gathering all the money demanded. Ransom can also be used as a verb meaning to get a person or property released by paying a price, as in I had to ransom my toy from the bully for $10. It can also mean to release a captive after receiving a ransom, as in Each prisoner was ransomed for $500. Less commonly, ransom can be used in a religious context to mean to redeem or deliver someone from punishment for sin, as Christians believe Jesus did. A person who holds someone in exchange for a ransom is called a ransomer. Ransomware is software that is illegally put on a computer and prevents users from accessing their data without paying a ransom. Example: The kidnapper demanded a hefty ransom before he released the princess to her father.

Related Words

See redeem.

Other Word Forms

• ransomer noun
• unransomed adjective

Etymology

Origin of ransom

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English noun ranso(u)n, rançoun, from Old French rançon, reançon from Late Latin redēmptiōn- (stem of redēmptiō ) redemption; verb derivative of the noun

Explanation

If you’re ever kidnapped, you’d probably be worth millions in ransom. Ransom is the money demanded for the release of a captive. You’ve probably heard the phrase “held for ransom.” That means someone has been captured and is being held prisoner until a sum of money is delivered to the captors. Ransom can refer to the money paid, but it can also be a verb that describes paying for the release of someone being held. If you have to ransom your best friend, that means you’re paying his captors to release him.

Example Sentences

"While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

She said she has grappled with whether her mother was taken for ransom due to the “Today” co-anchor’s wealth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

She said she believes two ransom notes demanding millions for Nancy’s return were legitimate.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

From what you say, however, you were not only let down by the trustee of your mother’s estate, your attorney appears to have held you ransom to increasingly outrageous demands.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

"He offers him back to me without ransom, provided I withdraw my levies from His Grace and vow to fight no more."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin