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Where does the word "terror" come from? It comes from Latin terror, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "terror" come from? It comes from Latin terror, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Terror’s story begins in Latin: terror meant “great fear.” From 'terrere', to frighten, the root of 'terrible'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as terreur. Used of the dread inspired by God or by a powerful ruler. It reached English by 1300s as terror. The French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793–94) gave rise to 'terrorism'. Today, terror means extreme fear.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient terror "great fear", from 'terrere', to frighten, the root of 'terrible'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval terreur "great fear", used of the dread inspired by God or by a powerful ruler.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s terror "great fear", the French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793–94) gave rise to 'terrorism'.