Ransom vs. Extortion: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023

Ransom refers to the money or payment demanded for the release of a captive or return of stolen property. Extortion is the act of obtaining money, goods, or services through coercion, threats, or intimidation.

Key Differences

Ransom is the sum of money or other valuables demanded or paid to secure the release of a person, property, or information. Extortion is a broader term, encompassing the act of forcing someone to give up money, goods, or some advantage under duress, often involving threats or intimidation. In essence, ransom is a subset of extortion but is specific to scenarios involving kidnapping or theft.

Oct 01, 2023

Grammatically, both ransom and extortion are primarily used as nouns in American English. While "extortion" has a corresponding verb form, "to extort," the word "ransom" is both a noun and a verb, with the verb form meaning "to hold for ransom." In their respective plurals, "ransoms" refers to multiple instances of ransom, and "extortions" indicates multiple acts of coercion for financial gain.

Oct 01, 2023

While ransom payments are typically made to secure the release of a person or item from captivity, extortion covers a wider range of coercive practices. This could involve blackmail, where payment is demanded to keep compromising information secret. Extortion could also involve threats to property or even threats of violence. Ransom is generally a one-time payment, while extortion can be ongoing, particularly if it involves a situation like protection rackets or regular demands for money.

Oct 01, 2023

Ransom often implies an illegal detainment or the taking of hostages and is a criminal act in virtually all jurisdictions. Extortion, too, is a criminal act but may not always involve illegal detainment or kidnapping. For example, extortion can take place over the phone or via email, where threats are made but no one is physically detained. Both acts are illegal and punishable by law, but their contexts and methods can be quite different.

Oct 01, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

Payment for release of captive or property

Coercion to obtain money, goods, or service

Oct 01, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Legality

Illegal

Illegal

Oct 01, 2023

Part of Speech

Noun and verb

Noun, verb ("to extort")

Oct 01, 2023

Plural Form

Ransoms

Extortions

Oct 01, 2023

Scope

Specific to kidnapping/theft

Broader, includes various coerci

Oct 01, 2023

Ransom and Extortion Definitions

Ransom

Payment to recover stolen property.

They paid a ransom to get their stolen art back.

Sep 19, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Extortion

Forcing compliance for advantage.

The corrupt official was found guilty of extortion.

Sep 19, 2023

Ransom

Financial demand in a kidnapping.

The ransom note was left on the doorstep.

Sep 19, 2023

Extortion

Unlawful demands with menaces.

Extortion by threatening to release personal information is common.

Sep 19, 2023

Ransom

Money for release of a captive.

The kidnappers demanded a $1 million ransom.

Sep 19, 2023

Extortion

Threats for financial gain.

He was arrested for extortion after blackmailing his boss.

Sep 19, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Ransom

Fee for safe retrieval.

The company paid a ransom to unlock their data.

Sep 19, 2023

Extortion

Unjust exaction of resources.

Extortionate rent hikes forced tenants to move out.

Sep 19, 2023

Ransom

The release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

Coercion for money or goods.

The mob was involved in extortion schemes.

Sep 19, 2023

Ransom

The price or payment demanded or paid for such release.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

(Christianity) A redemption from sin and its consequences.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To obtain the release of by paying a certain price.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

An excessive or exorbitant charge.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To release after receiving such a payment.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

The practice of extorting money or other property by the use of force or threats.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

(Christianity) To deliver from sin and its consequences.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.

They were held for two million dollars ransom.

They were held to ransom.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.

Prisoners hopeless of ransom

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

That which is extorted or exacted by force.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

An exorbitant charge

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

(obsolete) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

Unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority);

The extortion by dishonest officials of fees for performing their sworn duty

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.

To ransom prisoners from an enemy

Sep 17, 2023

Extortion

The felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner, or for goods captured by an enemy; payment for freedom from restraint, penalty, or forfeit.

Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems.

His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

A sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

To exact a ransom for, or a payment on.

Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year.

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

Money demanded for the return of a captured person

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

Payment for the release of someone

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

The act of freeing from captivity or punishment

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

Exchange or buy back for money; under threat

Sep 17, 2023

Ransom

Monetary condition for freedom.

The pirates set a ransom for the captured sailors.

Sep 19, 2023

FAQs

Is Ransom always illegal?

Ransom is generally illegal, as it involves unlawful detainment or theft.

Oct 01, 2023

Is Extortion always illegal?

Extortion is illegal because it involves coercion and threats for gain.

Oct 01, 2023

How do Ransom and Extortion differ?

Ransom is a subset of extortion, specific to kidnappings or thefts.

Oct 01, 2023

What is Ransom?

Ransom is the payment demanded for the release of a captive or return of stolen property.

Oct 01, 2023

What is the verb form of Extortion?

The verb form of extortion is "to extort."

Oct 01, 2023

What is Extortion?

Extortion is obtaining money, goods, or services through coercion, threats, or intimidation.

Oct 01, 2023

Is Ransom a form of Extortion?

Yes, ransom can be considered a specific type of extortion.

Oct 01, 2023

Can Extortion occur online?

Yes, extortion can occur online, often as "cyber-extortion."

Oct 01, 2023

Is the act of paying a Ransom illegal?

Paying a ransom may not be illegal, but it is generally discouraged by authorities.

Oct 01, 2023

Can Extortion involve physical threats?

Yes, extortion can involve threats of physical harm.

Oct 01, 2023

Is Ransom only about money?

Ransom usually involves money, but can also involve other forms of payment.

Oct 01, 2023

Who are typical targets of Ransom?

Kidnapping victims, companies facing data breaches, and stolen property owners can be targets.

Oct 01, 2023

What are the plurals of Ransom and Extortion?

The plurals are "ransoms" and "extortions."

Oct 01, 2023

Can Ransom also be a verb?

Yes, "to ransom" means to hold someone or something for ransom.

Oct 01, 2023

Who are typical targets of Extortion?

Businesses, public figures, and ordinary individuals can be targets of extortion.

Oct 01, 2023

Church vs. Cathedral

Usability vs. User Experience

About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.