Definitions
1.nounMoney paid for the freeing of a hostage."They were held for two million dollars ransom."
2.nounThe release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration."prisoners hopeless of ransom"
3.nounA sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
4.verb(14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
5.verbTo pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment."to ransom prisoners from an enemy"
6.verbTo exact a ransom for, or a payment on."Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year. — Berners."