force

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

Force’s story begins in Late Latin: fortia meant “strength.” From 'fortis', strong. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as force. Used of armies as well as physical strength. It reached English by 1300s as force. Physics defined 'force' precisely in Newton's era. Today, force means strength or energy; coercion.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient fortia "strength", from 'fortis', strong.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval force "strength", used of armies as well as physical strength.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s force "strength", physics defined 'force' precisely in Newton's era.