'abject' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abjectus,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'jacere' meant 'to throw.'

'abjectus' transformed into the Old French word 'abject,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abject' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'thrown away or cast off,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely bad or degrading.'