noun to exact a ransom for, or a payment on.
2. ransom ·noun the release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
3. ransom ·noun a sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
4. ransom ·noun the money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner, or for goods captured by an enemy; payment for freedom from restraint, penalty, or forfeit.
5. ransom ·noun to redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy.