claim

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

Claim’s story begins in Latin: clamare meant “to cry out.” The root of 'clamour' and 'exclaim'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as clamer. The root of 'clamour', 'exclaim' and 'proclaim'. It reached English by 1300s as claim. Gold rush 'claims' date from the 1850s. Today, claim means to state something is true; to demand as one's right.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient clamare "to cry out", the root of 'clamour' and 'exclaim'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval clamer "to call, name", the root of 'clamour', 'exclaim' and 'proclaim'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s claim "to demand", gold rush 'claims' date from the 1850s.