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

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats