menace

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

Menace’s story begins in Latin: minacia meant “threat.” From 'minax', projecting, threatening. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as menace. Used of threats. It reached English by 1300s as menace. 'Dennis the Menace' dates from 1951. Today, menace means a threat.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient minacia "threat", from 'minax', projecting, threatening.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval menace "threat", used of threats.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s menace "threat", 'Dennis the Menace' dates from 1951.