"Redemption" is a masculine noun derived from the verbs "redeem", "buy". This word has entered everyday life, having fixed itself to a fun wedding tradition - the so-called ransom of the bride. However, if you pay attention to the origin, you can find that its significance is much wider and more interesting.
History
In antiquity and in the Middle Ages, the capture of representatives of the noble classes: knights, nobles, members of the royal family, was widely practiced. They demanded a fee for them, often in very large sizes. Kidnapping in order to get a large sum of money for them is still practiced and is considered a serious crime. However, for a long time this was considered the norm. For example, in Egypt people were abducted and ransomed until modern times. In Russia, in the seventeenth century, a fixed price was introduced for prisoners of war captured by the Turks or Crimean Tatars. And in English even the concept of king's ransom - ransom for the king.
Today, this phraseology means an incredibly large amount. It was the money that was paid in exchange for prisoners, and was called a ransom.
The meaning of phraseology today
The concept of ransom, as payment for a person, ceased to be considered the norm, but did not change its meaning. So, for example, a comic wedding tradition is based precisely on an impromptu abduction and subsequent payment so that the groom can regain his bride.
Some scammers and criminals may demand ransom by kidnapping someone or something that is expensive to a wealthy person. However, this is no longer considered the norm in a democratic society, and the only thing that awaits those requiring a ransom is a court and criminal punishment.
Synonyms of the word ransom
It is quite difficult to find exact synonyms for this word. Most of them are general, devoid of any specifics, but nevertheless they are very useful:
- Fee is the closest synonym, since the noun “ransom” comes from the verb “buy,” which in meaning is associated with payment.
- Exchange is another analogue, but much more general. The exchange may well be voluntary and not monetary, but the ransom is not.
- Money is an even more vague synonym, but it cannot be excluded from this list. After all, this is really money, only those that pay for a person.
- Price is an analogue that is more modern, but rather running, and also better than others explains the meaning of the word ransom.
Summing up, we can say that the history of the ransom is much more interesting than its modern understanding and application. However, for people interested in linguistics, this word is definitely of interest.