Rancor
/ˈræŋ.kər/noun
Deep, bitter resentment or ill will.
Did you know?The word comes through Old French from Latin, where related forms were tied to the idea of a lingering, foul smell, which is why rancor feels so emotionally “stale” and corrosive.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reig- / *reg-
“To stink or be putrid (reconstructed root associated with rot and decay)”
Latin
Latin
rancēre
“To be rotten, rank, or foul-smelling”
Late Latin
Latin
rancor
“A stench; foulness; later, bitterness or resentment”
Old French
Old French
rancor
“Bitterness, resentment, grudge”
Middle English
English
rancour
“Bitterness, malice, deep-seated resentment”
Modern English
English
rancor
“Bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will”