Etymology Map
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Danger

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means the possibility of harm

Where does the word "danger" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin dominiarium, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dominiarium
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"power of a lord"
from 'dominus', lord
2
Stage 2 of 3
dangier
Old French · medieval
"power, dominion"
being in someone's power put one at risk
3
Stage 3 of 3
danger
English · 1200s
"power; risk"
the sense of 'peril' took over by the 1400s
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Read the full story

Danger’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: dominiarium meant “power of a lord.” From 'dominus', lord. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as dangier. Being in someone's power put one at risk. It reached English by 1200s as danger. The sense of 'peril' took over by the 1400s. Today, danger means the possibility of harm.