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Ransom: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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ransom

 

[ หˆrรฆn.sษ™m ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'ransom' originates from the Latin 'redemptio', meaning 'a buying back or redemption', which further evolved into the Old French 'ranรงon'. In medieval Europe, the practice of ransoming prisoners of war became common, and the term began to be associated specifically with the price required for release. Ransom practices persisted and adapted through various contexts, including piracy, where sailors would demand ransom for hostages. The word has maintained its core meaning related to paying for escape or release, particularly in crimes such as kidnapping. Over time, it has also come to imply broader themes of negotiation and moral conflict in scenarios involving extortion.

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.