Definition of fury

The word "fury" originated from the Old English word "furgor," meaning "madness" or "rage." It became associated with the Greek goddess of revenge and retribution, named Furia, who was part of the Eumenides (The Furies) in Greek mythology. The Eumenides were believed to be the avenging spirits of women who died in childbirth or unjustly. When the Roman Republic adopted the Greek mythology, the Eumenides transformed into the Furies or avenging goddesses who would punish the guilty. In Roman mythology, Furia was specifically connected to blood revenge, and her function was portrayed as a vengeful and terrifying force. The word "fury" today implies intense anger, rage, or wrath, which is the modern meaning that originated from the Latin version of Furia, "furtus." Latin words with "fur" as the initial syllable mean "to steal" or "To commit a crime with violence," which added to the fearsome reputation of the Furies, who also often stole or carried off the accused as a punishment before sentencing. In a nutshell, the origin of the word "fury" involves a mélange of philosophical and mythological influences, carrying with it a rich history, and still signifying an intense emotional state today.