hazard

Overview

Meaning Now

• A source of danger; a risk or peril.
• A game of chance involving dice, often played for money.
• An obstacle on a golf course, such as a bunker or water hazard.

Journey

The term likely entered English via the game of hazard, which was popular among medieval soldiers and nobility. The transition from the name of a gambling game to a general word for 'risk' or 'danger' reflects how uncertain, dice-driven outcomes became associated with peril.

Evolution

1. Arabic (10th century)

   az-zahr

   “the die”

   Reference to the playing die.

2. Old French (12th century)

   hasard

   “a game of dice”

   Introduced to Europe, likely during the Crusades.

3. Middle English (14th century)

   hasard

   “a game of chance; risk”

   Transition from the specific game to the abstract concept of risk.

Connections

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