discourage

Where does the word "discourage" come from? It comes from Latin cor, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

Discourage’s story begins in Latin: cor meant “heart.” Heart, giving rise to Old French corage (spirit, bravery). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as descourager. To take away someone's courage, from des- (away) and corage. It reached English by 1400s as discourage. Settled as the English word for causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm. Today, discourage means to cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or determination.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cor "heart", heart, giving rise to Old French corage (spirit, bravery).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval descourager "to take away someone's courage", to take away someone's courage, from des- (away) and corage.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s discourage "to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm", settled as the English word for causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.