'applauder' originates from English, formed from the verb 'applaud' with the agentive suffix '-er'. 'applaud' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'applaudere,' where 'plaudere' meant 'to clap.'

'applaud' changed from Latin 'applaudere' into Old French 'applaudir' and entered Middle English (e.g. 'applauden'), eventually becoming the modern English 'applaud'; the agentive suffix '-er' later produced 'applauder'.

Initially, it meant 'to clap' (a literal striking of the hands), but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'showing approval or praise by clapping.'