Hasard
/ˈhæzɑːrd/noun
An archaic or variant form of “hazard,” meaning a risk, danger, or game of chance.
Did you know?The word entered European languages through medieval gambling culture, probably from Arabic az-zahr, “the die,” though the Arabic word’s deeper origin remains debated.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
az-zahr
“The die or a game involving dice; the ultimate origin is debated.”
12th Century
Spanish
azar
“Chance, uncertainty, or a game of chance.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
hasard
“A dice game and the unpredictable outcome of a throw.”
14th Century
Middle English
hasard
“A game of chance, especially one involving dice.”
16th Century
English
hazard
“A risk, danger, or uncertain event; the spelling with z became standard.”
Modern English
English
hasard
“An archaic or variant spelling of hazard, preserved mainly in historical or specialized usage.”
Explore more surprising origins