1. the act of demanding payment for the release of a captive person or seized property

1. present participle of ransom; demanding payment for the release of someone or something

Examples

• The kidnappers were ransoming the businessman for two million dollars.
• Ransoming hostages is a serious federal crime.
• The pirates were ransoming the captured ship and its crew.
• The ransoming of the artwork continued for months.
• Police worked to stop the ransoming operation.
• The family refused to participate in the ransoming scheme.