exploit

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

Exploit’s story begins in Latin: explicitum meant “unfolded.” From 'explicare', to unfold. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as esploit. A successful deed. It reached English by 1300s as exploit. The sense 'use unfairly' dates from the 1800s. Today, exploit means a daring feat; to use unfairly.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient explicitum "unfolded", from 'explicare', to unfold.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval esploit "achievement", a successful deed.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s exploit "achievement", the sense 'use unfairly' dates from the 1800s.