'civilian-controlled' originates from the word 'civilian,' which comes from the Latin word 'civilis,' meaning 'relating to a citizen,' and 'controlled,' from the Latin 'contrōlāre,' meaning 'to check or regulate.'

'civilian' evolved from the Old French 'civilien,' and 'controlled' from the Old French 'contreroller,' eventually forming the modern English term 'civilian-controlled.'

Initially, 'civilian' referred to a non-military person, and 'controlled' meant to regulate. Together, they evolved to mean governance by non-military personnel.