Wordiyobank
Old NorseVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Old Norse bakki (ridge, slope, riverbank). The original geographical sense — a raised edge of land beside water — is preserved in riverbank and embankment. The financial sense (bank for money) came via Italian banca (bench where money-changers worked). Bankrupt literally meant 'broken bench' — a failed money-changer.
Associated Words
bank
To deal with a bank or financial institution, or for an institution to provide financial services to a client; An institution where one can place and borrow money and take care of financial affairs
bankrupt
Unable to pay one's debts; to make someone insolvent; an insolvent person
bankruptcy
The legal state of being unable to pay one's debts
embankment
A raised mound of earth or stone built to hold back water or support a road
mountebank
A swindler or con artist; to deceive with false claims