Definition of "ransom" []

• The release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price. (noun)
• The price or payment demanded or paid for such release. (noun)
• A redemption from sin and its consequences. (noun)
• To obtain the release of by paying a certain price. (verb-transitive)
• To release after receiving such a payment. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Instead of the Greek word "ransom," Jesus, who spoke"
• "A Somali pirate group holding a British couple kidnapped from their yacht one year ago says Paul and Rachel Chandler will not be released until a full ransom is paid."
• "The hostages are rarely hurt and people are usually freed after a ransom is paid."