peril

Overview

Meaning Now

• Serious and immediate danger.
• The state of being in danger or at risk.

Journey

The word descends from the PIE root *per-, which is also the ancestor of 'experience' and 'expert'. Originally, 'periculum' referred to a test or trial; the sense of 'danger' evolved because a 'test' implies the possibility of failure or harm.

Evolution

1. Classical Latin

   periculum

   “a trial or test of character”

   Derived from the root *per- (to go through, to experience).

2. Late Latin

   periculum

   “danger, risk”

   Shift from 'test' to the negative consequence of a dangerous test.

3. Old French

   peril

   “danger, hazard”

   Adopted into Middle English following the Norman Conquest.

Connections

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Related to peril

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