'affecter' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'affectare,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'facere' meant 'to do or make.'

'affectare' transformed into the Old French word 'affecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'affecter' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to strive after or aim at,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to influence or have an effect on.'