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1. Dictionary

   ransom

   /ˈrans(ə)m/

   noun

   • 1. a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive: "the kidnappers demanded a ransom" Similar pay-offpaymentprice
   • ▪ the holding or freeing of a captive in return for payment of a ransom: "the capture and ransom of the king" Similar releasefreedomsetting freedeliveranceliberationrescueredemptionrestoration

   verb

   • 1. obtain the release of (a captive) by paying a ransom: "the lord was captured in war and had to be ransomed"
   • ▪ hold (a captive) and demand a ransom for their release: "an English force burnt the village and ransomed the inhabitants"
   • ▪ release (a captive) after receiving a ransom: "they were all ransomed and returned unharmed"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French ransoun (noun), ransouner (verb), from Latin redemptio(n-) ‘ransoming, releasing’ (see redemption). Early use also occurred in theological contexts expressing ‘deliverance’ and ‘atonement’.

   Scrabble Points: 8

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