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Where does the word "exile" come from? It comes from Latin exilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "exile" come from? It comes from Latin exilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Exile’s story begins in Latin: exilium meant “banishment.” From 'exul', banished person. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as exil. A common punishment for nobles. It reached English by 1300s as exile. 'government in exile' dates from the 1900s. Today, exile means being barred from one's country.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient exilium "banishment", from 'exul', banished person.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval exil "banishment", a common punishment for nobles.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s exile "banishment", 'government in exile' dates from the 1900s.