Crossword Genius

Release money to various Italian city-dwellers? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ransom

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'release' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for ransom that I've seen before include "Kidnapper's payoff" , "Go beyond (a level)" , "Money to get a hostage released" , "Redeem" , "Payment demanded for release of captive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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