'amortise' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amortir,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'mort' meant 'death.'

'amortir' transformed into the Middle English word 'amortisen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amortise.'

Initially, it meant 'to bring to death or extinction,' but over time it evolved into its current financial meaning of 'gradually writing off a cost or debt.'