ransom
Pronunciation:
/ˈɹænsəm/noun
Definitions
Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
Example: They were held for two million dollars ransom.
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
Example: prisoners hopeless of ransom
A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
verb
Definitions
(14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
Example: to ransom prisoners from an enemy
To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.
Example: Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year. — Berners.