'absurd' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'absurdus', where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'surdus' meant 'deaf or silent'.

'absurdus' transformed into the French word 'absurde', and eventually became the modern English word 'absurd' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'out of tune or discordant', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ridiculous or unreasonable'.