jihad

Where does the word "jihad" come from? It comes from Arabic jahada, passing through Arabic before entering English (1852).

Jihad’s story begins in Arabic: jahada meant “to strive, to struggle.” Meant "he strove, he exerted effort". Within Arabic, it grew into jihad by medieval. Literally "struggle, effort," usually translated as "holy war". It reached English by 1852 as jihad. Entered English initially for religious war, later broadened figuratively to any zealous campaign. Today, jihad means a struggle or campaign for a cause, especially a religious duty in Islam, sometimes referring to armed conflict.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval jahada "to strive, to struggle", meant "he strove, he exerted effort".
2. Stage 2 · Arabic · medieval jihad "religious struggle or duty", literally "struggle, effort," usually translated as "holy war".
3. Stage 3 · English · 1852 jihad "struggle or campaign for a cause", entered English initially for religious war, later broadened figuratively to any zealous campaign.