Etymology Map
Back to all words

Fury

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means extreme anger

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
furia
Latin · ancient
"rage, madness"
the Furies were Roman avenging goddesses
2
Stage 2 of 3
furie
Old French · medieval
"rage"
also used for the classical Furies
3
Stage 3 of 3
fury
English · 1300s
"wild rage"
'furious' followed
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Fury’s story begins in Latin: furia meant “rage, madness.” The Furies were Roman avenging goddesses. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as furie. Also used for the classical Furies. It reached English by 1300s as fury. 'furious' followed. Today, fury means extreme anger.