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

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

Initially, it meant 'to do something to someone,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to influence or produce an emotional response.'