Money demanded for the release of a captive; to obtain release by paying such money.
From Old French rancon, from Latin redemptio meaning 'a buying back' (re- 'back' + emere 'to buy'). The word entered English in the 13th century, originally referring to payment for prisoners of war, later expanding to include kidnapping and extortion.
The word shares its root with 'redeem' and 'redemption,' revealing how medieval society viewed captivity as a temporary commercial transaction rather than a permanent state. Interestingly, 'ransom' historically was considered a legitimate part of warfare economics.
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