Etymology Map
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Dungeon

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a dark underground prison cell, especially in a castle

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
dominionem
Late Latin · ancient
"lordship"
from 'dominus', lord, the same root as 'dominion' and 'domain'
2
Stage 2 of 3
donjon
Old French · medieval
"castle keep"
the lord's great tower, the strongest and most central part of a castle
3
Stage 3 of 3
dungeon
English · 1300s
"an underground prison"
the prison cells under the keep eventually took over the whole meaning
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Read the full story

Dungeon’s story begins in Late Latin: dominionem meant “lordship.” From 'dominus', lord, the same root as 'dominion' and 'domain'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as donjon. The lord's great tower, the strongest and most central part of a castle. It reached English by 1300s as dungeon. The prison cells under the keep eventually took over the whole meaning. Today, dungeon means a dark underground prison cell, especially in a castle.