Ransom

Pronunciation: /ˈrænsəm/

Definitions of ransom

noun a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive

Example Sentences

A1 The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the safe return of the child.

A2 The pirate asked for a large sum of money as ransom for the captured sailors.

B1 The family had to gather the ransom money to secure the release of their loved one.

B2 Negotiations for the ransom amount were ongoing between the authorities and the criminals.

C1 The ransom payment was made discreetly to ensure the safety of the hostage.

C2 The ransom note was carefully examined by the forensic experts for any clues.

Examples of ransom in a Sentence

formal The kidnappers demanded a ransom for the safe return of the child.

informal The thieves want money as a ransom for the stolen goods.

slang The hackers are asking for a ransom to unlock the encrypted files.

figurative His obsession with the new video game was like a ransom on his productivity.

Grammatical Forms of ransom

• past tense: ransomed
• plural: ransoms
• comparative: more ransom
• superlative: most ransom
• present tense: ransoms
• future tense: will ransom
• perfect tense: has ransomed
• continuous tense: is ransoming
• singular: ransom
• positive degree: ransom
• infinitive: to ransom
• gerund: ransoming
• participle: ransoming

Origin and Evolution of ransom

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'ransom' originated from the Old French word 'raunson' which came from the Latin word 'redemptio' meaning 'a buying back'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of paying a price for the release of a captive or prisoner, the word 'ransom' has evolved to also refer to a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of property or data in cases of kidnapping or cyber attacks.