'absinthism' originates from the French word 'absinthe,' which referred to the alcoholic beverage made from wormwood, and the suffix '-ism,' indicating a condition or state.

'absinthe' was borrowed from the Latin word 'absinthium,' which in turn came from the Greek word 'apsinthion,' meaning 'wormwood.'

Initially, it referred to the consumption of absinthe, but over time it evolved to describe the condition resulting from its excessive use.