'anesthetize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anaisthēsia,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'aisthēsis' meant 'sensation.'

'anaisthēsia' transformed into the French word 'anesthésie,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anesthetize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make insensible,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.