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Terror

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means extreme fear

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

terror→terreur→terror

Latin · ancient

from 'terrere', to frighten, the root of 'terrible'

Old French · medieval

used of the dread inspired by God or by a powerful ruler

English · 1300s

the French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793–94) gave rise to 'terrorism'

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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.