| 释义 |
ran·som
I. \ˈran(t)səm, ˈraan-, ˈrain-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English raunsoun, ransoun, from Old French reançon, rançon, from Latin redemption-, redemptio redemption, ransom — more at redemption
1. : the money, price, or consideration paid or demanded for the redemption of a captured person : a payment that releases from captivity
2. : the act of ransoming : the redeeming or releasing of a captive by a payment especially of money
3. : something paid in medieval times for the pardon of an offense in lieu of corporal punishment : fine
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English raunsounen, ransounen, from Old French reançonner, rançonner, from reançon, rançon, n.
1. : to deliver especially from sin or its penalty
< He lives, triumphant o'er the grave, … my ransomed soul to keep and save — Charles Wesley >
2. archaic : to atone for : expiate
3. : to redeem usually from captivity, slavery, or punishment by paying a price : buy out of bondage
< an escaped slave … he was ransomed by two Englishwomen — American Guide Series: Maryland >
4. : to exact a ransom for or from : hold or offer for ransom : oppress by exacting ransoms or fines
Synonyms: see rescue |