Associations to the word «Ransom»

Wiktionary

RANSOM, noun. Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
RANSOM, noun. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
RANSOM, noun. (historical) (legal) (UK) A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
RANSOM, verb. (14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
RANSOM, verb. To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
RANSOM, verb. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.

Dictionary definition

RANSOM, noun. Money demanded for the return of a captured person.
RANSOM, noun. Payment for the release of someone.
RANSOM, noun. The act of freeing from captivity or punishment.
RANSOM, verb. Exchange or buy back for money; under threat.

Wise words

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
Noam Chomsky