'accrue' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'acreue,' where 'ac-' meant 'to' and 'creue' meant 'growth.'

'acreue' transformed into the Middle English word 'accruen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accrue.'

Initially, it meant 'to grow or increase,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to accumulate or receive over time.'