ransom
noun
UK/ˈræn.sᵊm/
US/ˈræn.sᵊm/
Definitions of ransom noun
- CountableUncountable
A large sum of money demanded in exchange for the release of a captive person or animal.
a note demanding a ransom
They demanded a large ransom for the release of the kidnapped child.
The criminal organization held the racehorse for ransom.
verb
UK/ˈræn.sᵊm/
US/ˈræn.sᵊm/
Definitions of ransom verb
- Transitive
To pay a sum of money to secure the release of a person.
Her father paid a million dollars to ransom her.
They must ransom the kidnapped victims as soon as possible.
They attempted to ransom the crew captured by pirates.
Idioms
- hold someone to ransom
To force someone to do something by putting them in a situation where they have no other choice; to control or extort someone by placing them in a position where they have no alternative.
• The criminals attempted to hold the company to ransom by taking hostages.