Ransoming: meaning, definitions and examples

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ransoming

 

[ ˈrænsəˌmɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

crime negotiation

Ransoming refers to the act of holding someone captive and demanding payment for their release. This practice is often associated with kidnappings and can involve negotiations between the captor and the victim's family or law enforcement.

Synonyms

demanding, extorting, holding hostage

Examples of usage

  • The criminals were ransoming the kidnapped businessman for a large sum.
  • They found out the child was ransomed for millions of dollars.
  • Ransoming has become a common tactic used by certain criminal organizations.

Translations

Translations of the word "ransoming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resgate

🇮🇳 अपहरण के लिए फिरौती

🇩🇪 Lösegeld

🇮🇩 tebusan

🇺🇦 викуп

🇵🇱 okup

🇯🇵 身代金

🇫🇷 rançon

🇪🇸 rescate

🇹🇷 kurtarma

🇰🇷 몸값

🇸🇦 فدية

🇨🇿 výkupné

🇸🇰 výkupné

🇨🇳 赎金

🇸🇮 odkupnina

🇮🇸 lausn

🇰🇿 бұғаттау

🇬🇪 გატაცება

🇦🇿 qurtarma

🇲🇽 rescate

Etymology

The term 'ransoming' originates from the early Middle English word 'rancon,' derived from the Old French 'rançon,' which in turn comes from the Latin 'redemptio,' meaning 'redemption' or 'buying back.' The concept of ransom has existed since ancient times, often linked to the captivity of individuals during wars or raids. Historically, ransoms were requested for noble prisoners or valuable captives to ensure their return or release, leading to this term’s associations with both crime and negotiation. Over time, the usage of 'ransoming' has evolved to include both legal and illegal contexts, reflecting its broad implications in society.