ransom
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French rançon, from stem of Latin redemptio. (See redemption.) Entered English ca. the 13th century
[edit] Noun
ransom (usually uncountable; plural ransoms)
- Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
- They were held for 2 million dollars ransom.
- They were held to ransom.
- 2010, Caroline Alexander, The War That Killed Achilles: The True Story of Homer's Iliad:
- As rich as was the ransom Priam paid for Hektor, Hermes says, his remaining sons at Troy “'would give three times as much ransom / for you, who are alive, were Atreus' son Agamemnon / to recognize you.'”
[edit] Usage notes
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
money paid for the freeing of a hostage
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[edit] Verb
ransom (third-person singular simple present ransoms, present participle ransoming, simple past and past participle ransomed)
- (14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
- To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
[edit] Translations
to pay a price to set someone free
[edit] See also
[edit] References
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Tenth Edition 1997
