'adhibit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'adhibēre,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'habēre' meant 'to hold or have.'

'adhibēre' transformed into the French word 'adhiber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adhibit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold or apply something,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.