ransom

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the hackers requested a ransom not to release the information and whether the city paid one.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

She said she believes two ransom notes demanding millions for Nancy’s return were legitimate.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

A nationwide search has unveiled clues, including DNA evidence and alleged ransom notes, but no suspect has been identified.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

From what you say, however, you were not only let down by the trustee of your mother’s estate, your attorney appears to have held you ransom to increasingly outrageous demands.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

Your brother would never have done it....Well, it was the truth, Harry thought as he ran on again; Dumbledore, who had defended Snape for so long, would never have held students ransom....

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling