ransomware Syllabification: (ran·som·ware)Pronunciation: /ˈransəmˌwe(ə)r/Definition of ransomware noun a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid:although ransomware is usually aimed at individuals, it’s only a matter of time before business is targeted as wellransomware in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of ransomware in the British & World English dictionary