Etymology Map
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Peril

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means serious danger

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

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

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.