Pronunciation: [ɹˈansəmz] (IPA) 
The word "ransoms" is spelled with a silent "o" in the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "ransoms" is /ˈrænsəmz/. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as /æ/ and the "o" in the second syllable is not pronounced. The "m" in the end is followed by a "z" sound, which represents the plural form of the word. Ransoms refers to the payment made in exchange for the release of someone who has been abducted or kidnapped.
Ransoms, as a noun, refers to the money or valuable items demanded by someone in exchange for the release of a kidnapped person, stolen goods, or for the cessation of harm or damage. It is a form of payment that serves as a negotiation tool to secure the freedom or restitution of something or someone that is being held captive or under threat. Generally, ransoms are demanded by criminals, terrorists, or other individuals seeking to exploit their leverage and exploit the desperation of those concerned.
Typically, ransoms involve a specific amount of money or certain requested items that should be handed over to the captors or perpetrators within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with these demands may result in severe consequences, such as harm to the hostage or an escalation of destructive actions. Ransoms can be facilitated through various means, such as direct contact with the parties involved, through intermediaries, or even via cryptographic currencies for those involved in cyber-related crimes.
The primary objective of paying a ransom is to secure the safe release or recovery of the hostage or property. However, it is important to note that paying ransoms can be a contentious ethical issue, as it can potentially encourage future criminal activities by providing monetary incentives. Some governments and organizations adopt strict policies of not negotiating or paying ransoms, with the belief that this stance reduces the incentive for criminals and ultimately protects potential victims.
As a verb, "ransoms" relates to the act of demanding, paying, or receiving a ransom.
The word "ransom" is derived from the Old French word "ranson", which itself came from the Latin word "redemptio" meaning "a redemption". The Latin word "redemptio" is derived from the verb "redimere", meaning "to redeem", which combines "re-" meaning "back" and "emere" meaning "to buy". Thus, the etymology of the word "ransom" can be traced back to the concept of buying back or redeeming someone or something that has been taken or held captive.
