Tartarus
/ˈtɑːr.tə.rəs/noun
In Greek mythology, the deepest abyss of the underworld; by extension, a place of torment or imprisonment.
Did you know?In Hesiod, Tartarus is not just a place but an ancient primordial power, so deep that it was imagined as far below Hades as heaven is above earth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Τάρταρος
“The abyss beneath the earth, a primordial prison of divine punishment”
Classical Latin
Latin
Tartarus
“The underworld abyss, adopted from Greek mythology”
Late Latin
Latin
Tartarus
“Hell or the place of punishment for the damned”
Old French
Old French
tartre
“Tartar, sediment; later influenced by the underworld term in learned usage”
Middle English
English
Tartarus
“The infernal abyss or hell”
Modern English
English
Tartarus
“The deepest part of the underworld; a place of extreme punishment or misery”