1. 1. The release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price.
   2. The price or payment demanded or paid for such release.
2. A redemption from sin and its consequences.

1. 1. To obtain the release of by paying a certain price.
   2. To release after receiving such a payment.
2. To deliver from sin and its consequences.

[Middle English ransome, from Old French rançon, from Latin redēmptiō, redēmptiōn-, a buying back. See redemption.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.