ransom
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
ransom/ˈransəm/
▶noun a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive. ▶verb obtain the release of (someone) by paying a ransom.
■ hold (someone) captive and demand a ransom for their release.
■ release after receiving a ransom.
– phrases
hold someone to ransom demand concessions from a someone by threatening damaging action.
a king's ransom a huge amount of money.
hold someone to ransom demand concessions from a someone by threatening damaging action.
a king's ransom a huge amount of money.
'ransom' also found in these Oxford entries:
