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.