1. people who demand payment for the release of someone or something they have captured

Examples

• The ransomers demanded two million dollars for the safe return of the businessman.
• Police negotiated with the ransomers for hours before making an arrest.
• The ransomers threatened to harm their captive if their demands weren’t met.
• Authorities warned citizens not to pay ransomers as it encourages more crimes.
• The ransomers were eventually caught and sentenced to prison.
• International law enforcement agencies work together to track down ransomers.