peril

Where does the word "peril" come from? It comes from Latin periculum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Peril’s story begins in Latin: periculum meant “trial, danger.” Related to 'experiri', to try, the root of 'experience'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as peril. A test or risk. It reached English by 1200s as peril. 'at your peril' dates from the 1500s. Today, peril means serious danger.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient periculum "trial, danger", related to 'experiri', to try, the root of 'experience'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval peril "danger", a test or risk.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s peril "danger", 'at your peril' dates from the 1500s.