ransom
UK: ˈrænsəm | US: ˈrænsəm
n. a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner
vt. to secure the release of someone by paying a demanded sum
The word "ransom" traces back to Old French ransoun (modern French rançon), derived from Latin redemptio ("a buying back"). The Latin root redimere ("redeem") combines re- ("back") + emere ("to buy"). Over time, the Old French form simplified the spelling while retaining the core idea of "payment for release." The morpheme ran- reflects the action of seizing or delivering, while -som evolved as a noun-forming suffix.
The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom for the safe return of the CEO.
In medieval times, knights often had to pay ransom to be freed after capture.
The family pooled their savings to ransom their son from captivity.
Pirates would hold ships hostage until a ransom was negotiated.
The government refused to ransom the hostages, fearing it would encourage further kidnappings.