Etymology Map
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Trouble

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means difficulty or problems; to cause worry

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
turbidare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to disturb"
from 'turbidus', muddy, the root of 'turbid' and 'disturb'
2
Stage 2 of 3
trubler
Old French · medieval
"to stir up"
stirring up muddy water
3
Stage 3 of 3
trouble
English · 1200s
"to disturb"
'in trouble' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Trouble’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: turbidare meant “to disturb.” From 'turbidus', muddy, the root of 'turbid' and 'disturb'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as trubler. Stirring up muddy water. It reached English by 1200s as trouble. 'in trouble' dates from the 1500s. Today, trouble means difficulty or problems; to cause worry.