From Middle English feer, fere, fer, from Old English fǣr, ġefǣr (“calamity, sudden danger, peril, sudden attack, terrible sight”), from Proto-Germanic *fērą (“danger”), from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“to attempt, try, research, risk”). Cognate with Dutch gevaar (“danger, risk, peril”), German Gefahr (“danger, risk, hazard”), Swedish fara (“danger, risk, peril”), Latin perīculum (“danger, risk, trial”), Albanian frikë (“fear,danger”).
From Wiktionary
From Middle English fere, feore, from Old English fēre (“able to go, fit for service”), from Proto-Germanic *fōriz, *fōrijaz (“passable”), from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“to put across, ferry”). Cognate with Scots fere, feir (“well, active, sound”), Middle High German gevüere (“able, capable, fit, serviceable”), Swedish för (“capable, able, stout”), Icelandic færr (“able”). Related to fare.
From Wiktionary
From Middle English feren, from Old English fǣran (“to frighten, raven”), from Old English fǣr, ġefǣr (“calamity, sudden danger, peril, sudden attack, terrible sight”). See above.
From Wiktionary
Middle English fer from Old English fǣr danger, sudden calamity per-3 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
As a linguistics expert with a profound understanding of etymology and language evolution, I delve into the roots and connections between words to unveil the intricate tapestry of linguistic history. My expertise is built on a foundation of comprehensive research, academic exploration, and a passion for uncovering the origins of language. Let's explore the concepts embedded in the provided article.
The term "fear" has its origins in Middle English, traced back to Old English "fǣr" and "ġefǣr," meaning calamity, sudden danger, peril, and terrible sight. This concept stems from the Proto-Germanic fērą, which translates to "danger" in a broader sense. Going even further back, it can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root per-, which encompasses the notions of attempting, trying, researching, and risking. This linguistic journey connects "fear" to cognates in various languages, such as Dutch "gevaar," German "Gefahr," Swedish "fara," and Latin "perīculum." The Albanian term "frikë" further reinforces this web of linguistic relationships.
Moving on to the term "fere" in Middle English, derived from Old English "fēre," which means able to go and fit for service. This concept is rooted in Proto-Germanic fōriz and fōrijaz, signifying passability. The connection extends to related words like Scots "fere" and "feir," Middle High German "gevüere," Swedish "för," and Icelandic "færr," all conveying the idea of being capable, able, or stout. This term is closely associated with the broader concept of fare.
Finally, the verb "feren" in Middle English, originating from Old English "fǣran," meaning to frighten or to ravage. This term shares its root with "fǣr" and "ġefǣr," previously discussed in the context of calamity, sudden danger, peril, and terrible sight.
In essence, this linguistic exploration showcases the rich interconnectedness of words and their evolution across time and languages. The study of etymology provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical development of language, revealing the common threads that bind diverse linguistic expressions.
