Risk
/rɪsk/noun
The possibility of loss, harm, or danger.
Did you know?English risk entered through Old French and Italian from a medieval word used for danger at sea, which may ultimately trace back to a term for a steep rock or cliff-face hazard.
Etymological Timeline
Late 17th Century
English
risk
“Danger; the chance of loss or harm.”
16th Century
Italian
risco / rischio
“Danger or hazard, especially a maritime one.”
Old French
French
risque
“Danger; peril; risk.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
risicum
“Hazard or danger, especially in commerce and seafaring.”
Uncertain medieval source
?
resecare / rixicare?
“Uncertain proposed origins in words for cutting or quarrelling, but not securely established.”
Explore more surprising origins