I. ˈran(t)-səm noun
Etymology: Middle English ransoun, from Anglo-French rançun, from Latin redemption-, redemptio — more at redemption
Date: 13th century
1. : a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity
2. : the act of ransoming
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to deliver especially from sin or its penalty
2. : to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price
Synonyms: see rescue
• ran·som·er noun