hibernate

Where does the word "hibernate" come from? It comes from Latin hibernare, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Hibernate’s story begins in Latin: hibernare meant “to pass the winter.” From 'hibernus', wintry; Ireland's Latin name 'Hibernia' shares the root. It reached English by 1800s as hibernate. Computer 'hibernate' mode dates from the 1990s. Today, hibernate means to spend the winter in a dormant state.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient hibernare "to pass the winter", from 'hibernus', wintry; Ireland's Latin name 'Hibernia' shares the root.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s hibernate "to winter", computer 'hibernate' mode dates from the 1990s.