1. a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive

1. to obtain the release of someone by paying a demanded price

Examples

• The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million dollars.
• The family paid the ransom to get their son back safely.
• Pirates held the crew for ransom.
• They ransomed the prisoners in exchange for gold.
• The government refused to ransom the hostages.
• A huge ransom was placed on the captured prince.
• The rebels ransomed the diplomat after three weeks.