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rançon

ransom

noun rahn-SOHN Rare
People & Society Crime

Also means

price (figurative)

Usage Note

Rançon appears in the fixed phrase la rançon de la gloire, meaning 'the price of fame' — a common journalistic expression. The verb rançonner means to demand a ransom from someone or to overcharge them. As a kidnapping term it is fully literal.

Examples

"Les ravisseurs ont exigé une rançon élevée."

Natural Translation

The kidnappers demanded a large ransom.

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