Definition of ransom
- n. - The release of a captive, or of captured property, by
payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of
ransom.
- n. - The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner,
or for goods captured by an enemy; payment for freedom from restraint,
penalty, or forfeit.
- n. - A sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the
discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal
punishment.
- n. - To redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or
forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to
rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy.
- n. - To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.