a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive:the kidnappers demanded a ransom [mass noun]:he was demanding millions of pounds in ransom
[mass noun] the holding or freeing of a captive in return for payment of a ransom:the capture and ransom of the king
ზმნა
Universal
obtain the release of (a captive) by paying a ransom:the lord was captured in war and had to be ransomed
hold (a captive) and demand a ransom for their release:an English force burnt the village and ransomed the inhabitants
release (a captive) after receiving a ransom:they were all ransomed and returned unharmed
hold someone to ransom
hold someone captive and demand payment for their release.
demand concessions from a person or organization by threatening damaging action:the company would be powerful enough to hold governments to ransom
a king's ransom
a huge amount of money:perfume which cost a king’s ransom per ounce
