'borrow' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'borgian,' where 'borg' meant 'pledge or security.'

'borgian' transformed into the Middle English word 'borwen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'borrow.'

Initially, it meant 'to take something as a pledge or security,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it.'