'amortissement' originates from French, specifically the word 'amortir,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'mortir' meant 'to die or extinguish.'

'amortir' transformed into the French word 'amortissement,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amortissement' through borrowing.

Initially, it meant 'to extinguish a debt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'gradual reduction of a debt.'