French translation of ransom is 
rançon

Meaning of "ransom" in English

"Ransom" refers to the payment demanded or paid for the release of a person who has been kidnapped or captured. It can also mean redemption of a prisoner or a pledge that can be metaphorically used beyond financial contexts, such as restoring honor or dignity. In legal scenarios, ransom might involve negotiation or exchange. This term has historical roots in medieval times, often associated with the release of prisoners of war. While primarily involving monetary transactions, the concept has broadened in literature and casual usage to include any significant compensation or concession for release or freedom.

Meaning of "rançon" in French

"Rançon" in French closely aligns with its English counterpart, referring to the sum of money demanded or paid for the release of someone kidnapped or held captive. It originates from medieval practices where captives, especially those of noble status, were often required to pay large sums for their freedom. The term extends beyond literal financial payments in modern usage, and can symbolize the restoration or redemption in contexts related to honor or moral debts. It remains a term heavily imbued with notions of negotiation, sacrifice, and the weighty price of freedom.

Pronunciation of "ransom" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈrænsəm]

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, the "a" is pronounced as in "cat" while in British English, it might sound slightly more like "car". Regional accents may alter the stress on syllables or the clarity of the "s" sound.

Pronunciation of "rançon" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [ʁɑ̃sɔ̃]

Pronunciation Variations: In some regions of France, the "ran" may sound slightly more nasal, influenced by local dialects or accents. The "ç" maintains a soft "s" sound across various French-speaking areas.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom for the release of the hostages.
   (Les ravisseurs ont exigé une lourde rançon pour la libération des otages.)

2. She received an anonymous note asking for ransom in exchange for her lost dog.
   (Elle a reçu un message anonyme demandant une rançon en échange de son chien perdu.)

3. The family struggled to gather the ransom money in time.
   (La famille a eu du mal à réunir l'argent de la rançon à temps.)

4. Paying the ransom was their last hope to see their loved one again.
   (Payer la rançon était leur dernier espoir de revoir leur proche.)

5. Historically, many prisoners of war were released upon payment of ransom.
   (Historiquement, de nombreux prisonniers de guerre étaient libérés contre le paiement d'une rançon.)

6. The novel's plot revolves around a dramatic ransom negotiation.
   (L'intrigue du roman tourne autour d'une négociation dramatique de rançon.)

7. The company refused to pay ransom to the cybercriminals.
   (L'entreprise a refusé de payer la rançon aux cybercriminels.)

8. He risked everything to arrange the ransom.
   (Il a tout risqué pour organiser la rançon.)

9. The ransom demand left the family in despair.
   (La demande de rançon a laissé la famille désespérée.)

10. They used the treasure as ransom to secure their freedom.
    (Ils ont utilisé le trésor comme rançon pour obtenir leur liberté.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "ransom" in English

Synonyms: payment, payoff, compensation, resolution, reimbursement, redemption, balance, atonement, liberation, release.

Antonyms: penalty, confiscation, seizure, forfeit, debt, bind, hold, nonpayment, impoundment, loss.

Similar Words: buyout, rescue, rescue payment, safeguard, security, discharge, bailout, indulgence, retrieval, salvation.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "rançon" in French

Synonyms: paiement, récompense, dédommagement, rétribution, compensation, libération, rachat, solde, résilience, détachement.

Antonyms: pénalité, confiscation, saisie, amende, dette, retenue, capture, non-paiement, impoundage, perte.

Similar Words: rédemption, sauvetage, libération, sécurité, secours, dégagement, acquisition, indulgence, arrachement, rachat.

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