'ataraxies' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ataraxia', where the prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and 'tarax-' (from tarassein) meant 'disturbance'.

'ataraxia' passed into Latin and later into English as 'ataraxy' (singular); the modern English plural form became 'ataraxies'.

Initially, it meant 'absence of disturbance or imperturbability,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'states of calmness and freedom from anxiety.'