Ransomed: meaning, definitions and examples
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ransomed
[ ˈrænsəmd ]
criminal act
Ransomed refers to the act of demanding a payment in exchange for the release of a person or property. This term is often used in the context of kidnappings, where the captor demands a sum of money to free the hostage. It can also relate to various situations where items are held for ransom, such as stolen possessions. The term implies a coercive element, as the one holding the hostage or possession forces another to comply with their demands.
Synonyms
extorted, liberated, released for payment
Examples of usage
- The kidnappers ransomed the businessman for a million dollars.
- The painting was ransomed back to the gallery after the theft.
- They ransomed their child from the captors.
Translations
Translations of the word "ransomed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 resgatado
🇮🇳 रिहा किया गया
🇩🇪 freigelassen
🇮🇩 dibebaskan
🇺🇦 викуплений
🇵🇱 uwolniony
🇯🇵 身代金を払った
🇫🇷 rançonné
🇪🇸 rescatado
🇹🇷 kurtarılan
🇰🇷 몸값을 치른
🇸🇦 مفدي
🇨🇿 vydaný
🇸🇰 vyplatený
🇨🇳 赎回的
🇸🇮 odkupnina
🇮🇸 lausn
🇰🇿 босатылған
🇬🇪 გასათავისუფლებელი
🇦🇿 qurtarılmış
🇲🇽 rescatado
Etymology
The word 'ransomed' is derived from the Old French word 'ranson,' which means 'redemption' or 'rescue.' This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'redemptio,' meaning 'a buying back.' The transition of the word into English occurred during the Middle Ages when the concept of paying for someone's freedom became prevalent, especially during conflicts and wars where prisoners were often held for ransom. Over time, the term has expanded to include any situation where something is held hostage in exchange for monetary payment. The modern usage reflects not only the historical context of warfare and kidnapping but also captures the broader implications of coercion, where the value of human life or property is measured in terms of money.