Payment for release
I believe the answer is:
ransom
'payment for release' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ransom that I've seen before include "Payment demanded for someone's release" , "Money demanded for the release of someone" , "Kidnap money" , "Money paid for release of a hostage" , "Redeem" .)