'aviate' originates from French, specifically the word 'avion', where Latin 'avis' meant 'bird'.

'aviate' changed from French formations related to 'avion' (coined in the late 19th century) and entered English usage in the early 20th century as a verb back-formed from 'aviation' (and influenced by French verbing patterns), eventually becoming the English verb 'aviate'.

Initially related to 'bird' and the general idea of flight, over time it evolved into the specific modern meaning 'to pilot or fly an aircraft'.