fix

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

Fix’s story begins in Latin: figere meant “to fix, to fasten.” The root of 'affix', 'crucifix' and 'fixture'. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as fixer. Carried into French for making something firmly attached or settled. It reached English by 1400s as fix. Settled as the English word for repairing or making something firm and stable. Today, fix means to repair something, or to fasten it firmly in place.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient figere "to fix, to fasten", the root of 'affix', 'crucifix' and 'fixture'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1400s fixer "to make something firmly attached or settled", carried into French for making something firmly attached or settled.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s fix "to repair something, or to make it firm and stable", settled as the English word for repairing or making something firm and stable.