From PIE *werg- (to do) — same root as Greek 'ergon,' source of 'energy' and 'synergy'; 'wrought' is its old past tense.
To engage in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result; to be employed.
From Old English 'wyrcan' (also 'wercan, wircan') meaning 'to work, make, construct, perform,' from Proto-Germanic *wurkijaną (to work), from PIE root *werg- meaning 'to do, to work.' This PIE root is one of the most productive in the Indo-European family, also giving rise to Greek 'érgon' (work) — the source of English 'energy,' 'allergy,' 'synergy,' and 'organ' — as well as to the element '-wright' in 'playwright' and 'wheelwright.' Key roots: *werg- (Proto-Indo-European: "to do, to work").