Fault
/fɔːlt/noun
A mistake or defect; also a fracture or break in the Earth’s crust.
Did you know?English fault ultimately comes from Latin fallere, “to deceive” or “cause to fail,” the same ancient root behind words tied to error, fraud, and betrayal.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
fallere
“to deceive, trick, or cause to fail”
Late Latin
Latin
fallita / fallitum
“a failure, lack, or defect”
Old French
Old French
faute
“a failing, defect, or offense”
Middle English
English
faute / faute
“a defect, failing, or blameworthy act”
Modern English
English
fault
“a defect, mistake, or responsibility for an error”