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a condemned criminal pardoned by Pilate in order to appease the mob, which demanded that he be freed instead of Jesus. Mark 15:6–11; John 18:40.
Contemporary Examples

A preacher urging voter turnout invoked the biblical tale of Jesus and Barabbas.
The Barabbas Theory of Voting: Bible Story Shows Tough Choices for Midterms Jay Parini November 1, 2014

This was a reference to Barabbas, the prisoner whom the crowd chose to be released in the New Testament in place of Jesus.
Five Outrageous Outbursts By Senate Candidate Steve Stockman Ben Jacobs December 9, 2013

The name of Barabbas is worth looking at closely, as it makes the story more challenging as well puzzling.
The Barabbas Theory of Voting: Bible Story Shows Tough Choices for Midterms Jay Parini November 1, 2014

In fact, the story of Barabbas is more interesting and complicated than most preachers seem willing to acknowledge.
The Barabbas Theory of Voting: Bible Story Shows Tough Choices for Midterms Jay Parini November 1, 2014

Barabbas contains the Aramaic word abba—which simply means “father.”
The Barabbas Theory of Voting: Bible Story Shows Tough Choices for Midterms Jay Parini November 1, 2014

Historical Examples

“Dismas, there’s someone,” whispered Barabbas, grasping the handle of his weapon.
I.N.R.I. Peter Rosegger

But the people were unanimous in their demand for the release of Barabbas.
The Real Jesus of the Four Gospels J. B. Atwater

Barabbas knew the band cared much more for Dismas than for himself, and he did not wish matters to come to a climax.
I.N.R.I. Peter Rosegger

The early association of Barabbas and books will be noticed.
The Book Lovers’ Anthology Various

The famous band of the chiefs, Barabbas and Dismas—so it was said—were not the worst.
I.N.R.I. Peter Rosegger

noun
(New Testament) a condemned robber who was released at the Passover instead of Jesus (Matthew 27:16)

biblical masc. proper name, Greek Barabbas, from Aramaic barabba, “son of the father,” or “son of the master.” In Hebrew, it would be ben abh.

i.e., son of Abba or of a father, a notorious robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus, whom he wished to release, in accordance with the Roman custom (John 18:40; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). But the Jews were so bent on the death of Jesus that they demanded that Barabbas should be pardoned (Matt. 27:16-26; Acts 3:14). This Pilate did.