Pronunciation: [ɹˈansʌm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Ransome" is often confusing for non-native English speakers as the letter "o" is pronounced as "u". In the IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /ˈrænsəm/. The letter "a" is pronounced with the short "a" sound, followed by the "n" consonant sound. The "s" is pronounced with a voiceless "s" sound, and the "o" is pronounced with a "u" sound. Finally, the "m" is pronounced with a voiced "m" sound.
Ransome is a noun that refers to a sum of money or payment demanded or given in exchange for the release of a person or property that has been taken hostage or unlawfully detained. It is a form of extortion or kidnapping in which the captor holds someone or something as collateral, demanding a specific amount of money to secure their release. Generally, the captor makes this demand known to the victim's family or associates, usually accompanied by a threat or ultimatum that failure to comply with the demand will lead to harm or loss.
The concept of ransome has historical connotations, especially in cases of piracy and warfare, where captives were frequently held for ransom. It is often viewed as a criminal act, as it involves the deprivation of freedom and safety of innocent individuals. In some jurisdictions, ransoming is considered an illegal activity, and those found guilty of engaging in such acts may face severe legal consequences.
The payment of a ransome can be an emotional and financial burden for the victim's family or the party responsible for securing the release. Negotiations and arrangements for the exchange of funds usually involve law enforcement agencies, who work to ensure the safe return of the hostage while capturing or arresting the perpetrator. Overall, ransome is an illegal monetary demand made by a captor in exchange for the freedom of a person or possession taken hostage.
The word "Ransome" has its roots in the Old English language. It is derived from the Old English word "raensian", which means "to deliver". Over time, this term evolved into "ransom" in Middle English. The term "ransome" refers to the money or valuable items paid to secure the release of a captive or hostage.
