ransom
pronunciation
How to pronounce ransom in British English:
UK [ˈrænsəm]
How to pronounce ransom in American English:
US [ˈrænsəm]
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- Noun:
- money demanded for the return of a captured person
- payment for the release of someone
- the act of freeing from captivity or punishment
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- Verb:
- exchange or buy back for money; under threat
Word Origin
- ransom
- ransom: [13] Heavily disguised, ransom is the same word ultimately as redemption. It was borrowed from Old French ransoun, which, much weathered over the centuries, was descended from Latin redemptiō, source of English redemption. The etymological notion underlying the word is thus of money paid to ‘redeem’ or rescue a hostage.=> redemption
- ransom (n.)
- c. 1200, "sum paid for the release of a prisoner or captured man," from Old French ranson (Modern French rançon), earlier raenson "ransom, redemption," from Latin redemptionem (nominative redemptio) "a redeeming," from redimere (see redeem).
- ransom
- early 14c., from ransom (n.). Related: Ransomed; ransoming.
Example
- 1. What happens next depends on the ransom negotiations .
- 2. Asi global 's web site advertises " kidnap and ransom response " and says the company has worked for major insurance companies .
- 3. Crews are usually freed after a ransom is paid .
- 4. He gave himself a ransom for you !
- 5. He was eventually released after 94 days once a ransom was paid .