[ran.som] n [ME ransoun, fr. OF rancon, fr. L redemption-, redemptio--more at redemption] (13c) 1: a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity
2: the act of ransoming
[2]ransom vt (14c) 1: to deliver esp. from sin or its penalty
2: to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price syn see rescue -- ran.som.er n