ransom

Plural: ransoms

Noun

money demanded for the return of a captured person
payment for the release of someone
the act of freeing from captivity or punishment
Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
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

Verb Forms: ransomed, ransoming, ransoms

To obtain release by paying a demanded price.
exchange or buy back for money; under threat
To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

Examples

He hoped to ransom his good tiles from the bag, but kept drawing vowels.
prisoners hopeless of ransom
They were held for two million dollars ransom.
They were held to ransom.
to ransom prisoners from an enemy

Origin / Etymology

From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French raençon, from stem of Latin redemptio. Entered English ca. the 13th century. Doublet of redemption.

Synonyms

ransom money, redeem

Scrabble Score: 8

ransom: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
ransom: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
ransom: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

ransom: valid Words With Friends Word