'achieve' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'achever,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'chever' meant 'come to a head, finish.'

'achever' transformed into the Middle English word 'acheven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'achieve'.

Initially, it meant 'to bring to a head or finish,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to successfully reach a desired goal or result.'