ransom etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: raunson, from Anglo-Norman French raençon, from Late Latin redemptionem, acc. of redemptio "ransom," from Latin redimere "to buy back," from re- "back" + emere "to buy"

Meaning:

• A payment demanded for the release of a person or property from captivity or arrest.
• A person held for ransom.

Origin:

The concept of ransom originated in ancient times when individuals or groups would capture enemy soldiers or civilians and demand payment for their release. In medieval Europe, ransom became a common practice among feudal lords and knights, who would often ransom captured rival leaders or wealthy merchants.

The Latin word emere (to buy) played a significant role in the development of the term "ransom." The prefix re- (back) conveys the idea of buying something back, in this case, a person or property that has been taken hostage.

Over time, the term "ransom" has evolved to include payments made for the release of hostages held by criminals or terrorists. It has also been used figuratively to refer to any exorbitant payment or price demanded for something.

ransom relate terms

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