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Ransom: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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ransom

 

[หˆrรฆn.sษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

payment demand

Ransom is a sum of money or a price paid for the release of a captive or property. It often involves a negotiation between the captor and the victim's family or associates. Historically, ransom has been used in situations such as kidnapping, where the captor demands payment in exchange for the safe return of the victim. It is also applied in cases of stolen goods or compromised assets. The concept of ransom is often depicted in films and literature, illustrating moral and ethical dilemmas.

Synonyms

bribe, payment, redemption.

Examples of usage

  • The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million dollars.
  • She was released after her family paid the ransom.
  • The ransom note was found near the scene of the abduction.
Context #2 | Verb

release for payment

To ransom means to secure the release of someone by paying a ransom. This term is often used in contexts involving hostage situations or when negotiating the return of valuable assets. It denotes a transaction where payment is made to regain something or someone valuable, typically under duress. Ransoming can also imply a moral weight regarding the implications of paying criminals. It is commonly used in literature and discussions about crime and ethics.

Synonyms

redeem, release.

Examples of usage

  • They ransomed the hostage after extensive negotiations.
  • The organization was accused of ransoming valuable artifacts.
  • He vowed to ransom his brother from captivity.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient societies, captives were often held for ransom as a way for families to secure their release.
  • During the Middle Ages, knights would sometimes be captured in battles and their families would raise money to pay the ransom for their freedom.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Ransom' starring Mel Gibson showcase dramatic tales of kidnapping and ransom demands, highlighting the moral dilemmas involved.
  • In video games, missions often involve saving hostages, where players must either pay a ransom or outsmart the kidnappers.

Legal Aspects

  • Many countries have laws that criminalize kidnapping and set severe penalties for ransom-related crimes.
  • Negotiating a ransom can be legally complex, where law enforcement may get involved to avoid further victimization.

Psychology

  • Victim psychology can be affected, as individuals may experience anxiety or trauma after being threatened with ransom.
  • Ransom situations can lead to a cycle of fear and manipulation, as both the captor and victim deal with high-stakes emotions.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of ransom and sacrifice, reflecting deep moral dilemmas faced by characters.
  • Ransom as a plot device appears in tales like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' where vengeance and justice intertwine.

Translations

Translations of the word "ransom" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น resgate

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเคฟเคฐเฅŒเคคเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Lรถsegeld

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tebusan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะบัƒะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ okup

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่บซไปฃ้‡‘

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ranรงon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ rescate

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fidye

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ชธ๊ฐ’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุฏูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vรฝkupnรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vรฝkupnรฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ตŽ้‡‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ odkupnina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lausn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะพัะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒกแƒฃแƒคแƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qurtuluลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ rescate

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,580, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.