'aromatise' originates from French, specifically the word 'aromatiser', where 'aroma' meant 'spice' or 'sweet smell'.

'aromatise' changed from French 'aromatiser', which itself came via Latin and ultimately from Greek 'arōma' (ἀρώμα). The English verb 'aromatise' was adopted into English from French usage in the modern period.

Initially it meant 'to give a spice-like scent or to season with aromatics', but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'to add aroma or flavor; to scent'.