'abide' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ābīdan', where 'ā-' meant 'on' and 'bīdan' meant 'to wait'.

'ābīdan' transformed into the Middle English word 'abiden', and eventually became the modern English word 'abide'.

Initially, it meant 'to wait or remain', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to comply or endure'.