1. a person who pays ransom to secure the release of someone or something
2. a person who demands ransom for the release of someone or something

Examples

• The wealthy businessman became a ransomer when his daughter was kidnapped.
• The family hired a negotiator to act as their ransomer.
• The ransomer demanded two million dollars for the safe return of the hostage.
• Police worked to identify the ransomer through the ransom note.
• The ransomer’s identity remained unknown throughout the investigation.
• She served as the ransomer in the delicate exchange process.