ransom — a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrænsəm/
Example Sentences
- The hacker demanded a Bitcoin ransom to unlock the company's files.
- My cat held my favorite sweater for ransom until I gave her treats.
- The pirates ransomed the merchant ship for a chest of gold.
ransom
NOUN[/ˈrænsəm/]
a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive
Money demanded for prisoner's release
A handsome man destroys wholesome lives for ransom
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Ransom derives from Old French 'rançon', which developed from Latin 'redemptio' meaning 'redemption' or 'ransom'. The term entered Middle English usage to describe money paid for the release of prisoners of war or nobility during medieval conflicts.
Breakdown
re- (back) + -emptio (buying/taking), from Latin 'redimere' (to buy back). The Old French form 'rançon' evolved into the English 'ransom' through phonetic simplification and borrowing.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hacker demanded a Bitcoin ransom to unlock the company's files.”
“My cat held my favorite sweater for ransom until I gave her treats.”
“The pirates ransomed the merchant ship for a chest of gold.”
“She jokingly held her brother's video game for ransom until he did his chores.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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