ransom

Where does the word "ransom" come from? It comes from Latin redemptio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Ransom’s story begins in Latin: redemptio meant “buying back.” The root of 'redemption'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rançon. Nobles captured in battle were held for money. It reached English by 1200s as ransom. King Richard I was ransomed in 1194. Today, ransom means money demanded for a captive's release.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient redemptio "buying back", the root of 'redemption'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval rançon "ransom", nobles captured in battle were held for money.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s ransom "payment for release", King Richard I was ransomed in 1194.