English · Word Candidate

ransom

/ˈɹæn.səm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: ransoms · ransoming · ransomed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.

Noun

They were held for two million dollars ransom.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.

Noun

prisoners hopeless of ransom

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.

Verb

to ransom prisoners from an enemy

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

Verb

Terrorists will continue to hold few detainees in undisclosed locations in order to ransom them for money or some other material profit, […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “ransom” mean?

Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.

Is “ransom” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.