The money paid to secure the release of a person held captive, whether as a result of having been kidnapped or captured in some other way; the release of a captured person in exchange for money or other consideration. 2 v.To gain the release of a captive by paying the price demanded; to hold a person captive and insist on payment as the condition of release. rape 1n.Incommon law, the felony of a man having illegal sexual intercourse with a woman other than his wife, by force or with threat of...