bankrupt etymology

Etymology:

• bank (14th century): Bench or counter where money is exchanged
• rupt (15th century): Broken

Meaning:

Legally declared insolvent, unable to pay debts.

Origin:

The term "bankrupt" originated in early modern Europe, when merchants and bankers operated their businesses from benches or counters. If a merchant failed to pay off their debts, the bench (bank) would be broken as a symbol of their financial ruin.

The word "bankrupt" thus came to refer to someone who had lost their financial standing and was unable to fulfill their obligations. It was first used in a legal context in the 17th century and has remained a common term for insolvency ever since.

Usage:

The term "bankrupt" is primarily used in a legal context to describe individuals or businesses that have been declared insolvent. It can also be used in a general sense to refer to someone who is financially ruined or overwhelmed by debt.

Examples:

• "The company filed for bankruptcy after losing a major contract."
• "The individual is facing bankruptcy due to medical bills and job loss."
• "The economy is in a state of bankruptcy, with high unemployment and low growth."

bankrupt relate terms

• bank

  Etymology The word bank has its origins in the Italian word banco which means benc

• bank

  Etymology The word bank has its origins in the Italian word banco which means benc

• rupture

  Etymology The word rupture originates from the Latin word ruptura which means a br

• corrupt

  Etymology The word corrupt comes from the Latin word corruptus which means marred

• bankruptcy

  Etymology The word bankruptcy originates from the Italian phrase banca rotta which

• bankrupt

  Etymology bank 14th century Bench or counter where money is exchanged rupt 15th cen

• insolvency

  Etymology Latin insolvere not to pay in meaning not solvere meaning to pay

• ruin

  Etymology The word ruin comes from the Latin word ruina meaning falling down coll

• break

  Etymology Middle English breken breken Old English brecan Proto Germanic brekan Pro

• smash

  Etymology The word smash is an onomatopoeic word meaning that it imitates the sound o

• cash

  Etymology Borrowed from Middle French cas from Old French chas of uncertain origin I

• quiz

  Etymology Origin Greek Meaning Inquiry investigation Meaning A game or activity

• rock

  Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

• brake

  Etymology The word brake has several etymological origins German brechen meaning

• baker

  Etymology The word baker comes from the Middle English bakere which in turn is deri

• fickle

  Etymology The word fickle comes from the Middle English word fikel which means dece

• notion

  Etymology of Notion The word notion originates from the Old French word notion meani