ransom/ˈɹænsəm/EtymologyFrom the Middle English ransoun, from the Old French raençon, from stem of Latin redēmptiō. Entered English ca. the 13th century. Doublet of redemption.ransom means A surname. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 73 out of 100.ransom is pronounced /ˈɹænsəm/.nameA surname.A place in the United States:; A village in Allen Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, named after Thomas E. G. Ransom.A place in the United States:; A minor city in Ness County, Kansas, also named after Thomas Ransom.A place in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Pike County, Kentucky.A place in the United States:; A township and unincorporated community therein, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, named after Epaphroditus Ransom.A place in the United States:; An unincorporated community and township in Nobles County, Minnesota.nounMoney paid for the freeing of a hostage.“They were held for two million dollars ransom.”The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.“prisoners hopeless of ransom”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.“punished with imprisonment and ransom at the King's will”verbTo deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.“to ransom prisoners from an enemy”To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.“Terrorists will continue to hold few detainees in undisclosed locations in order to ransom them for money or some other material profit, […]”