Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “unafraid” come from?

Unafraid comes from English un- plus afraid, which derives from Frankish friþu meaning peace, combined with Latin ex, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European óynos.

unafraid (English): Not afraid

Definitions

  1. Not afraid

Ancestry of “unafraid”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishafraidImpressed with fear or apprehension; in fear;...
2Middle Englishaffrayed—
3Anglo-Normanafrayerto terrify, disquiet, disturb; Alternative form...
4Old Frencheffreer—
5Vulgar Latinexfridare—
6Vulgar Latin*exfrido—
7Frankishfriþupeace, sanctuary; security, peace; peace
8Proto-Germanicfriþuzpeace, tranquility; sanctuary, refuge
9Proto-Indo-EuropeanpriHósdear, beloved; happy, free
10Proto-Indo-EuropeanpreyH-to love, to please
Every word from Proto-Indo-European preyH- →