Acropolis
/əˈkrɒp.əl.ɪs/noun
The fortified high part of an ancient Greek city, especially the citadel in Athens.
Did you know?Acropolis comes from Greek roots meaning “high city,” and the same *polis* root also lives in words like *metropolis* and *politics*—city power has always been spellbinding.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“to thrust, drive, or be full; the root behind Greek words for city and fortified height through later formations”
Ancient Greek
Greek
akrópolis
“the upper city, especially a citadel on elevated ground”
Classical Latin
Latin
acropolis
“a Greek citadel or upper city”
Middle English
English
acropolis
“the citadel or fortified hill of an ancient city”
Modern English
English
acropolis
“the fortified upper part of an ancient Greek city”
Explore more surprising origins