n.
a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive.
v.
obtain the release of (someone) by paying a ransom.
▸hold (someone) captive and demand a ransom for their release.
▸release after receiving a ransom.
Phrase
- hold someone to ransom
demand concessions from a someone by threatening damaging action. - a king's ransom
a huge amount of money.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. ransoun (n.), ransouner (v.), from L. redemptio(n-) (see redemption).
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