frailty etymology

Etymology

"Frailty" is derived from the Anglo-Norman French word "frailtee," which itself is derived from the Old French word "frail" meaning "weak" or "breakable." The ultimate origin of the word is the Latin word "fragilis," meaning "fragile."

Meaning

• Physical weakness or infirmity, especially in old age.
• Moral weakness or susceptibility to temptation.
• The quality of being easily damaged or broken.

Origin

The concept of frailty has been recognized throughout history. In ancient Greek mythology, the Fates were three goddesses who controlled the thread of life. When the thread was cut, the person died. This idea of a fragile and finite existence has persisted in Western thought.

In the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes refers to the frailty of human life:

"For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them." (Ecclesiastes 6:12)

The concept of frailty has also been explored in literature, philosophy, and art. Shakespeare's plays often feature characters who are weak and vulnerable, such as King Lear, who is betrayed by his daughters and driven to madness.

In the 20th century, the study of frailty in the elderly became a major focus of gerontological research. Frailty is now recognized as a significant risk factor for disability, hospitalization, and death.

frailty relate terms

• fragility

  Etymology Late Middle English fragilitee from Anglo Norman French fragilitee from La

• infirmity

  Etymology Middle English infirmite from Old French enfermeté from Latin infirmita

• vice

  Etymology Middle English vice from Old French vice from Latin vitium a fault defe

• frail

  Etymology Middle English fraile from Anglo Norman French fraile Old French frele ul

• reed

  Etymology of Reed Old English rēod Proto Germanic reudaz Proto Indo European hr

• condescend

  Etymology The word condescend comes from the Latin word condescendere which means t

• veil

  Etymology The word veil derives from the Old French word veile which in turn comes f

• vile

  Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

• evil

  Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

• live

  Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de

• asthenia

  Etymology Greek asthenes ἀσθενής meaning weak powerless From the root