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Where does the word "banish" come from? It comes from Frankish bannjan, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "banish" come from? It comes from Frankish bannjan, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Banish’s story begins in Frankish: bannjan meant “to proclaim.” A Frankish word for a public order, related to 'ban'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as banir. An exile was proclaimed publicly. It reached English by 1300s as banish. Also gives 'banns' of marriage. Today, banish means to send someone away as punishment.
- Stage 1 · Frankish · ancient bannjan "to proclaim", a Frankish word for a public order, related to 'ban'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval banir "to proclaim; to exile", an exile was proclaimed publicly.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s banish "to exile", also gives 'banns' of marriage.