The action of freeing a prisoner, captive, or slave by payment; the fact of being freed in this way. Also occasionally: the payment itself.

The action, fact, or possibility of obtaining the release of a captive or hostage by paying a certain sum, or of obtaining one's own freedom in…

Redemption; ransom. Also: an instance of this.

The action of ransom, v. (in various senses); esp. the redemption of a captive or prisoner on payment of a sum of money.

A payment made or demanded for the release of a prisoner or hostage; a ransom. Obsolete.