défi

Forms

défi m (plural défis)^[1]

Etymology

It is a deverbal noun from French défier,^[2][1][3] a verb formed from dé- and fier¹ “to trust”,^[3][4] which comes from Vulgar Latin *fīdō (“to entrust”), derived from fīdus (“faithful”).^[4][5] Littré notes that older texts have only defiement or defiance for the noun.^[6]

Earliest recorded meaning

Charles de Bourdigné's Légende joyeuse de Pierre Faifeu (1523) uses deffy in the sense “fear”.^[2][6]

Semantic evolution

The noun followed the history of défier, first a feudal term for renouncing one's sworn faith and then “to provoke”.^[7][4] Défi meant a challenge to single combat by 1575, in Brantôme, and then a provocation in general.^[2][8] From 1847 (Balzac) it also meant a refusal to give in.^[2]

Around 1965 it took the sense of an obstacle that a civilization must overcome, to render English challenge.^[7]

Timeline

• 1523 – Deffy means “fear” in Charles de Bourdigné.^[2]
• 1575 – Brantôme uses it of a challenge to single combat.^[2][3]
• 1665 – Boileau uses it in the sense of a provoking declaration.^[8]
• 1847 – Balzac uses it for a refusal to give in.^[2]
• c. 1965 – It renders English challenge.^[7]

Meanings

Noun

1. (history) A challenge to single combat, or a vassal's renunciation of his sworn faith.^[2][9]
2. A provoking declaration that someone is unable to do something: mettre quelqu'un au défi, relever le défi.^[9][6]
3. A refusal to give in, defiance: un regard de défi.^[9][2]
4. A difficult task or obstacle to overcome.^[7][1]

Related words

• défier
• défiance
• fier¹
• foi

References

1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France
5. ^ Wartburg, Walther von, et al. (1922–2002), Französisches Etymologisches Wörterbuch, 25 vols., Bonn / Leipzig / Basel: Klopp / Teubner / Zbinden, p. 3, 500a
6. ^ a b c Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
7. ^ a b c d Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
8. ^ a b Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
9. ^ a b c Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert