ransom
noun
the redemption of a prisoner or kidnapped person, of captured goods, etc., for a price.
ransomed
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past participleof ransom.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof ransom.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
ransomnounthe redemption of a prisoner or kidnapped person, of captured goods, etc., for a price.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
King Richard was captured on his way back from the Middle East and ransomed for 150,000 silver marks—approximately three times the annual income of the English Crown.
From Barron's ● Mar. 19, 2026
This was frightening news, but Olena had heard that the Russians sometimes ransomed detainees for cash.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2024
After two were released for medical reasons and three others ransomed by a third party for an undisclosed amount, the remaining 12 went free Dec. 16 after what they described as an overnight escape.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 14, 2022
This thriller — in which a flight attendant is on a plane to Sydney when her 5-year-old daughter is ransomed — is notable for its capacity to get into the heads of its characters.
From New York Times ● Mar. 11, 2022
Her cousins would be ransomed too, as would Tris Botley and a few more of her company, those whose kin had coin enough to buy them back.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
