at ransom

== English == === Etymology === From the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French raençon, from stem of Latin redēmptiō. Entered English ca. the 13th century. Doublet of redemption. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈɹæn.səm/ Rhymes: -ænsəm Hyphenation: ran‧som === Noun === ransom (usually uncountable, plural ransoms) Money paid for the freeing of a hostage. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration. (historical, law, 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. ==== Usage notes ==== "held for ransom" is much more common in the US, "held to ransom" in the UK. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== ⇒ Cantonese: 參 / 参 (sam1, “hostage”) ==== Translations ==== === Verb === ransom (third-person singular simple present ransoms, present participle ransoming, simple past and past participle ransomed) (obsolete) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties. [14th century] To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment. To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of. ==== Translations ==== === See also === bail === References === Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Tenth Edition 1997 === Anagrams === Armons, Manors, Marons, Marson, Romans, Rosman, manors, morans, mornas, normas, ramson, sarmon