Etymology Map
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Exile

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means being barred from one's country

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
exilium
Latin · ancient
"banishment"
from 'exul', banished person
2
Stage 2 of 3
exil
Old French · medieval
"banishment"
a common punishment for nobles
3
Stage 3 of 3
exile
English · 1300s
"banishment"
'government in exile' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

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.