Etymology Map
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Fortress

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a heavily fortified place

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
fortis
Latin · ancient
"strong"
the root of 'fort' and 'force'
2
Stage 2 of 3
forteresse
Old French · medieval
"stronghold"
a strong place
3
Stage 3 of 3
fortress
English · 1300s
"stronghold"
'Fortress Europe' dates from World War II
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Read the full story

Fortress’s story begins in Latin: fortis meant “strong.” The root of 'fort' and 'force'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as forteresse. A strong place. It reached English by 1300s as fortress. 'Fortress Europe' dates from World War II. Today, fortress means a heavily fortified place.