'amortise' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amortir,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'mortir' meant 'to kill or deaden.'

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

Initially, it meant 'to deaden or kill,' but over time it evolved into its current financial meaning of 'gradually writing off an asset or debt.'