1. Payment for the release of someone
   "The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million dollars"
    
2. Money demanded for the return of a captured person
   "The kidnappers demanded ransom money in exchange for the hostage's release";
   - ransom money
    
3. The act of freeing from captivity or punishment
   "The prisoner's ransom was accomplished through diplomatic channels"

1. Demand or obtain payment for release of a captive or stolen goods, or pay to secure such release
   "The kidnappers attempted to ransom their hostage for millions";
   - redeem [archaic]

Derived forms: ransoming, ransoms, ransomed

Type of: change, cost, defrayal, defrayment, exchange, interchange, payment, recovery, retrieval

Encyclopedia: Ransom, Pennsylvania