'ablate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ablatus,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'latus' meant 'carried.'

'ablatus' transformed into the French word 'ablater,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ablate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to carry away,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to remove or erode by melting, vaporization, or other erosive processes.'