Etymology Map
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Menace

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a threat

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

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

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.