Incurrere

Incurrere is a Latin verb meaning to run into, to rush upon, or to incur something such as danger, expense, or blame. It covers both the literal sense of entering a space by running and a figurative sense of bringing a consequence upon oneself.

Etymology and form: The word is formed with the prefix in- added to currere (to run) and belongs to the third conjugation. The infinitive is incurre, and the verb generally follows the standard patterns of third-conjugation verbs for its tenses and voices. Like many Latin verbs that carry a prefix, incurre can take a variety of constructions to express entering into a state or bringing about an outcome.

Usage: In classical Latin, incurre can denote physically rushing into a place or situation, as well as the figurative act of bringing a consequence upon oneself. It is commonly used with direct objects indicating what is incurred (for example, to incur blame) and with prepositional phrases such as in + accusative to express entering into a state or risk (for example, incurrere in periculum, to incur danger). The sense of incurring can be financial, moral, legal, or reputational, depending on the context.

English connection: The modern English verb incur is a cognate, descended from Latin incurrere through the medieval Romance and English transmission. In English, incur retains the sense of bringing something upon oneself, especially costs, losses, or liabilities.

See also: currere, the Latin root verb; in- as a prefix; related Latin verbs of the third conjugation.