'abattoir' originates from French, specifically the word 'abattre,' where 'abattre' meant 'to fell or knock down.'

'abattre' transformed into the French word 'abattoir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abattoir' through borrowing.

Initially, it meant 'a place where animals are knocked down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place where animals are slaughtered for food.'