'amortize' 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 'amortize.'

Initially, it meant 'to kill or bring to death,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'gradually paying off a debt.'