trophy

Where does the word "trophy" come from? It comes from Greek tropaion, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Trophy’s story begins in Greek: tropaion meant “a monument marking a victory.” A monument of victory, from trope (a turning, rout of the enemy). By medieval, the word had taken hold in French as trophee. Carried into French for a symbol or prize commemorating victory. It reached English by 1500s as trophy. Settled as the English word for a prize awarded for victory or achievement. Today, trophy means an object, such as a cup or medal, awarded as a prize for victory or achievement.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient tropaion "a monument marking a victory", a monument of victory, from trope (a turning, rout of the enemy).
2. Stage 2 · French · medieval trophee "a prize commemorating a victory", carried into French for a symbol or prize commemorating victory.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s trophy "a prize awarded for victory or achievement", settled as the English word for a prize awarded for victory or achievement.