'analgesic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'analgēsikos,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'algēsis' meant 'sense of pain.'

'analgēsikos' transformed into the Latin word 'analgesicus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'analgesic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'without pain,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.