ransom

Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.

“They were held for two million dollars ransom.”

The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.

“prisoners hopeless of ransom”

A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.

(14th century) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.

To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.

“to ransom prisoners from an enemy”

To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.

“Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year. — Berners.”