# ransomware

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #41,835

## Definitions
1. Malware that holds the data of a computer user for ransom, usually requiring or claiming to require payment to restore access.
2. Software that is released as open source only in exchange for payment.

## Etymology
From ransom + -ware.

## Common misspellings (15)
`arnsomware`, `rannsomware`, `ranosmware`, `ransmoware`, `ransomawre`, `ransommware`, `ransomwaer`, `ransomwarre`, `ransomwrae`, `ransomwware`, `ransowmare`, `ranssomware`, `rasnomware`, `rnasomware`, `rransomware`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ransomware