'alert' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'all'erta', where 'all' meant 'to the' and 'erta' meant 'watchtower'.

'all'erta' transformed into the French word 'alerte', and eventually became the modern English word 'alert' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to the watchtower', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being watchful or ready'.