'ascensor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ascensor', ultimately from the verb 'ascendere' (from ad- + 'scandere'), where the root 'scandere' meant 'to climb' and 'ascendere' meant 'to go up or climb'.

'ascensor' passed into several Romance languages (e.g. French 'ascenseur', Spanish 'ascensor') and was borrowed into English as a rare or archaic term 'ascensor' meaning an elevator or lifting device.

Initially it referred to 'one who rises or raises' or more generally 'a raising', but over time it became associated specifically with mechanical devices for lifting (i.e., elevators).