Etymology Map
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Chase

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to pursue in order to catch

Where does the word "chase" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin captare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
captare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to try to seize"
from 'capere', to take
2
Stage 2 of 3
chacier
Old French · medieval
"to hunt"
Norman French 'cachier' gave English its twin word 'catch'
3
Stage 3 of 3
chase
English · 1300s
"to pursue"
also names private hunting land, as in Cannock Chase
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Read the full story

Chase’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: captare meant “to try to seize.” From 'capere', to take. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chacier. Norman French 'cachier' gave English its twin word 'catch'. It reached English by 1300s as chase. Also names private hunting land, as in Cannock Chase. Today, chase means to pursue in order to catch.