Ransom
/ˈræn.səm/noun
A sum of money demanded for the release of a prisoner.
Did you know?In ancient times, paying a ransom was often seen as a means to restore one's honor and social status, entwined with the very fabric of medieval warfare and morality.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁rēdʰ-
“to restore or give back, often in a context of freedom.”
Latin
Latin
redemptio
“the act of buying back or redeeming.”
Old French
Old French
rançon
“a price paid for freedom or release.”
Middle English
Middle English
ransum
“the price for the release of a prisoner.”
Modern English
English
ransom
“a payment demanded for the release of a captive.”