resort

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

Resort’s story begins in Latin: sortiri meant “to cast lots.” From 'sors', lot. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as resortir. From Latin 'sors', lot, the root of 'sort'. It reached English by 1300s as resort. Holiday 'resorts' date from the 1700s. Today, resort means a holiday place; to turn to for help.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sortiri "to cast lots", from 'sors', lot.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval resortir "to go out again", from Latin 'sors', lot, the root of 'sort'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s resort "recourse", holiday 'resorts' date from the 1700s.