noun.
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption.
noun.
The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner, or for goods captured by an enemy; payment for freedom from restraint, penalty, or forfeit.
noun.
A sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
noun.
a war contract, valid by the law of nations, for the ransom of property captured at sea and its safe conduct into port.
transitive verb.
To redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue; to deliver.
transitive verb.
To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.