The criminals asked for a million dollars as ransom for the hostage's release.

ransom 是名词，意思是"赎金"，指为了换取被绑架者或扣押物品的自由而支付的金钱。这个词源自古法语"rançon"，本意是"赎回、救赎"。在绑架案件中，绑匪通常会要求支付赎金才会释放人质。