Etymology Map
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Ransom

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means money demanded for a captive's release

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

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

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.