'accouple' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'acopler,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'cople' meant 'couple or pair.'

'acopler' transformed into the Middle English word 'acouplen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accouple.'

Initially, it meant 'to join or pair together,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.