Etymology Map
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Vibrate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to move back and forth rapidly

Where does the word "vibrate" come from? It comes from Latin vibrare, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
vibrare
Latin · ancient
"to shake"
possibly related to 'vibex', a weal
2
Stage 2 of 2
vibrate
English · 1610s
"to shake"
'vibes' as feelings dates from the 1960s
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Read the full story

Vibrate’s story begins in Latin: vibrare meant “to shake.” Possibly related to 'vibex', a weal. It reached English by 1610s as vibrate. 'vibes' as feelings dates from the 1960s. Today, vibrate means to move back and forth rapidly.