1ran·som 
/ˈrænsəm/ noun
plural ran·soms /ˈrænsəm/ noun : money that is paid in order to free someone who has been captured or kidnapped [count] ▪ The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million dollars. [noncount] ▪ The family is willing to pay ransom for his release. ▪ The ransom note explained the terms under which she would be released. ▪ ransom money/payment ▪ (chiefly US) A group of men is holding the ship's crew for ransom. = (Brit) A group of men is holding the ship's crew to ransom. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ (Brit) The boy used his bad temper to hold his mother to ransom, forcing her to buy him sweets. — see also king's ransom
