/ Dictionary / Index R ransom: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: ran•som Pronunciation: (ran'sum), [key] —v.t. to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. to release or restore on receipt of a ransom. to deliver or redeem from punishment for sin. Ran•som Pronunciation: (ran'sum), [key] 1888–1974, U.S. poet, critic, and teacher. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: ransom (Thesaurus) ransack rant Related Content Daily Word Quiz: panacea Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language