ransom
Translation
ransom
Examples
The kidnappers demanded a huge ransom.
The kidnappers demanded a huge ransom.
They held the boy for ransom.
They held the boy for ransom.
Grammar Patterns
((a ransom)) money demanded for the release of a captive The kidnappers demanded a huge ransom.
((hold sb. for ransom)) to keep sb. captive and demand money They held the boy for ransom.
Similar Words
Synonyms: payment, payoff, price
Etymology
From Old French 'rançon', from Latin 'redemptio' (a buying back, redemption).
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'random sum' of money is demanded as a 'ransom'.