Etymology Map
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Banish

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means to send someone away as punishment

Where does the word "banish" come from? It comes from Frankish bannjan, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bannjan
Frankish · ancient
"to proclaim"
a Frankish word for a public order, related to 'ban'
2
Stage 2 of 3
banir
Old French · medieval
"to proclaim; to exile"
an exile was proclaimed publicly
3
Stage 3 of 3
banish
English · 1300s
"to exile"
also gives 'banns' of marriage
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Read the full story

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.