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ransom

[ ran-suhm ]
/ ˈræn səm /
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noun
the redemption of a prisoner or kidnapped person, of captured goods, etc., for a price.
the sum or price paid or demanded.
a means of deliverance or rescue from punishment for sin, especially the payment of a redemptive fine.
verb (used with object)
to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price.
to release or restore on receipt of a ransom.
to deliver or redeem from punishment for sin.
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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

synonym study for ransom

4. See redeem.

OTHER WORDS FROM ransom

ran·som·er, nounun·ran·somed, adjective

Other definitions for ransom (2 of 2)

Ransom
[ ran-suhm ]
/ ˈræn səm /

noun
John Crowe [kroh], /kroʊ/, 1888–1974, U.S. poet, critic, and teacher.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ransom in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ransom (1 of 2)

ransom
/ (ˈrænsəm) /

noun
verb (tr)

Derived forms of ransom

ransomer, noun

Word Origin for ransom

C14: from Old French ransoun, from Latin redemptiō a buying back, redemption

British Dictionary definitions for ransom (2 of 2)

Ransom
/ (ˈrænsəm) /

noun
John Crowe . 1888–1974, US poet and critic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with ransom

ransom

see king's ransom.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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