Where Does Donjon Come from?

Etymology. The word dungeon comes from French donjon (also spelled dongeon), which means "keep", the main tower of a castle.

What language does dungeon come from?

The word dungeon, meaning “a dark usually underground prison,” comes from the French word donjon, which also gives us our English word donjon, meaning “an inner tower in a castle.” Dungeon was first used in English in the 14th century for the strong tower in the inner part of the castle.

What is a French donjon?

donjon (plural donjons) The fortified tower of a motte or early castle; a keep.