- erect (adj.)
- late 14c., "upright, not bending," from Latin erectus "upright, elevated, lofty; eager, alert, aroused," past participle of erigere "raise or set up," from e- "up" + regere "to direct, keep straight, guide" (see regal).
- erect (v.)
- c.1400, a back-formation from erect (adj.) or else from Latin erectus. Related: Erected; erecting.