'attrite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'attritus', the past participle related to 'atterere' (from ad- + terere), where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'terere' meant 'to rub'.

'attrite' changed from Latin 'attritus' (via Medieval Latin and Old French forms) into Middle English (e.g. 'attriten') and eventually became the modern English word 'attrite' and its derived forms like 'attrited' and 'attrition'.

Initially it meant 'rubbed away' or 'worn down by rubbing'; over time the sense broadened figuratively to 'reduced, weakened, or exhausted by sustained action' (as in military, business, or personal contexts).