ransomed
Adjective 1. Reclaimed by payment of a ransom: Refers to a person or thing that has been freed or released after a sum of money (or other demand) has been paid to those who were holding them captive. 2. Saved from the bondage of sin: In a theological or religious context, refers to being spiritually delivered or redeemed from the power and consequences of sin, often through a sacrificial act.
- The ransomed hostages were finally reunited with their families after weeks of negotiation.
- In Christian doctrine, believers are described as ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ.
- The stolen painting was ransomed back to the museum for a hefty sum.
- The term is often used in a figurative sense to describe liberation from any oppressive or confining situation, drawing from its literal and theological meanings.
- Example: "She felt ransomed from her past mistakes when she received the pardon."
- Ransom (noun): A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive.
- Ransom (verb): To obtain the release of a captive by paying a ransom.
- Ransomer (noun): One who pays a ransom or effects a ransom.
- Redeemed: (Closest synonym, covering both secular and religious contexts)
- Freed: (Specifically for the literal meaning)
- Liberated: (Specifically for the literal meaning)
- Delivered: (Often used in religious contexts)
The two primary meanings are distinct: 1. The first is a concrete, legal, or criminal justice term related to kidnapping and extortion. 2. The second is an abstract, spiritual concept central to several religious traditions, particularly Christianity. The connection lies in the core idea of a price being paid for someone's release.
- reclaimed by payment of a ransom
- saved from the bondage of sin