'applaud' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'applaudere', where the prefix 'ad-' meant 'toward' (often assimilated to 'ap-') and 'plaudere' meant 'to strike, clap'.

'applaud' changed from Latin 'applaudere' through Old French (aplaudir/applaudir) and Middle English forms (such as 'applauden') and eventually became the modern English word 'applaud'.

Initially it meant 'to strike (the hands) or clap'; over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to express approval or praise by clapping'.