'blister' originates from Late Middle English, likely borrowed from Old French 'blistre' or a related form, ultimately tracing back to Latin 'bulla' meaning 'bubble'.

'bulla' in Latin (meaning 'bubble') developed into Old French forms such as 'blistre', and this form entered Late Middle English as 'blister', which gave the modern English 'blister' and its derivatives like 'blistered'.

Initially, it meant 'bubble' or 'bubble-like swelling'; over time the meaning narrowed to refer specifically to a raised, fluid-filled swelling on the skin or to bubble-like damage on surfaces, and from that literal sense extended to figurative uses of strong criticism or intense effect.