Etymology Map
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Ahimsa

3 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means The principle of non-violence and respect for all living beings, central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Gandhian philosophy.

Where does the word "ahimsa" come from? It comes from Sanskrit himsa, passing through Sanskrit before entering English (1875).

1
Stage 1 of 3
himsa
Sanskrit · ancient
"injury, harm"
meant 'injury, harm', from a root meaning 'to strike'
2
Stage 2 of 3
ahimsa
Sanskrit · ancient
"non-violence"
the negated form: 'non-injury, non-violence'
3
Stage 3 of 3
ahimsa
English · 1875
"the principle of non-violence toward all living beings"
entered English through the study of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophy, later popularized by Gandhi
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