Fatigue
/fəˈtiːɡ/noun
A state of physical or mental exhaustion caused by exertion, stress, or illness.
Did you know?The English noun was borrowed from French in the seventeenth century, especially in military contexts involving exhausting labor and forced marches.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
fatīgāre
“To tire, weary, exhaust, or wear out”
Medieval Latin
Latin
fatigatio
“Weariness or exhaustion”
16th Century
French
fatigue
“Weariness, exhaustion, or labor”
17th Century
English
fatigue
“Exhaustion, especially from military service or arduous work”
Modern English
English
fatigue
“Physical or mental exhaustion”
Explore more surprising origins