ransom

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
2. 2
   The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
3. 3
   A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.

Verb

1. 1
   To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
2. 2
   To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
3. 3
   To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

Proper noun

1. 1
   A surname.
2. 2
   A place in the United States: A village in Allen Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, named after Thomas E. G. Ransom.
3. 3
   A place in the United States: A minor city in Ness County, Kansas, also named after Thomas Ransom.
4. 4
   A place in the United States: An unincorporated community in Pike County, Kentucky.
5. 5
   A place in the United States: A township and unincorporated community therein, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, named after Epaphroditus Ransom.
6. 6
   A place in the United States: An unincorporated community and township in Nobles County, Minnesota.
7. 7
   A place in the United States: A township and village therein, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, named after Samuel Ransom.