'augmentation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'augmentatio', where 'augmentare' (from the root 'augere') meant 'to increase'.

'augmentation' passed into Old French as 'augmentation' (or variant spellings) and into Middle English as 'augmentacioun' (or similar), eventually becoming the modern English 'augmentation'.

Initially, it meant 'the action or process of increasing' and over time it has retained that core meaning while also extending to senses like 'an added improvement or enhancement' (e.g., technical or surgical augmentations).