hex

Where does the word "hex" come from? It comes from German Hexe, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Hex’s story begins in German: Hexe meant “a witch.” It reached English by 1800s as hex. Pennsylvania Dutch barns are painted with 'hex signs', said to ward off evil. Today, hex means a magic spell, or to cast one on someone.

1. Stage 1 · German · medieval Hexe "a witch", meaning "a witch".
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s hex "a magic spell or curse", Pennsylvania Dutch barns are painted with 'hex signs', said to ward off evil.