An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Macht

by Friedrich Kluge

Macht, f., ‘might, force,’ from the equiv. MidHG. and OHG. maht, f., ‘might, power, ability’; comp. OSax. maht, Du. magt, AS. meaht, miht, E. might, OIc. máttr, m., Goth. mahts, f., ‘might, power, capacity.’ The common Teut. *mahti-, f., which may be deduced from these words, is an old verbal abstract of Goth. magan. See mögen and Gemächt.