ransom
1 of 2noun/ˈræn.səm/
Forms:ransoms
1
an amount of money demanded or paid for the release of a person who is in captivity
C1- The kidnappers demanded a large ransom for the safe return of the CEO's daughter.
- Negotiators worked tirelessly to lower the ransom amount requested by the hostage-takers.
- The pirates released the crew unharmed after receiving the agreed-upon ransom from the shipping company.
- Authorities advised against paying ransom to cybercriminals in cases of ransomware attacks.
- Hostage negotiations are delicate processes aimed at securing the safe release of captives without paying ransom.
Synonyms:
2
the act of releasing someone from captivity, danger, or punishment
- The movie dramatizes the ransom of prisoners during war.
- Their ransom came after long negotiations with the captors.
- The ransom of the village was a turning point in the story.
- He celebrated the ransom of his friend from captivity.
- Historical texts describe the ransom of nobles held for political reasons.