Etymology Map
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Treason

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the crime of betraying one's country

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
traditio
Latin · ancient
"handing over"
from 'tradere', to hand over, also the root of 'tradition' and 'traitor'
2
Stage 2 of 3
traison
Old French · medieval
"betrayal"
handing someone over to their enemies
3
Stage 3 of 3
treason
English · 1200s
"betrayal of a ruler"
English law defined high treason in 1351
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Read the full story

Treason’s story begins in Latin: traditio meant “handing over.” From 'tradere', to hand over, also the root of 'tradition' and 'traitor'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as traison. Handing someone over to their enemies. It reached English by 1200s as treason. English law defined high treason in 1351. Today, treason means the crime of betraying one's country.