'classicise' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the adjective 'classical' plus the suffix '-ize' (via Old French '-iser' and Latin/Greek '-izein'), where 'classical' ultimately traces back to Latin 'classicus'.

'classicise' evolved from the formation of English verbs using the suffix '-ize' attached to 'classical'. 'Classical' itself comes from Latin 'classicus', which derives from Greek 'klassikos'; over time these elements combined in Late and Modern English to produce the verb 'classicise' (with alternate spelling 'classicize').

Initially related to being 'of or belonging to a class' (from Latin/Greek roots), the sense shifted to 'pertaining to classical style', and then to the verbal sense 'to make or render something classical'.