Geweld
/ɡəˈwɛlt/noun
A rare or archaic English word meaning violence, force, or coercive power, also used in Dutch and Afrikaans.
Did you know?Geweld is closely related to German Gewalt, which can mean both “power” and “violence,” revealing an old linguistic link between ruling and force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wal-
“To be strong or exert power; the reconstructed root behind several words for strength and authority.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*waldaną
“To rule, govern, or wield power.”
Old English
Old English
weald
“Power, authority, rule, or dominion.”
Middle Dutch
Middle Dutch
gewelt / gewalt
“Power, force, or violence.”
Modern Dutch
Dutch
geweld
“Violence or force.”
Modern English
English
geweld
“A rare or archaic term for violence, force, or coercive power.”