'conformism' originates from French, specifically the word 'conformisme', where the suffix '-isme' indicated a practice or system (from French '-isme').

'conformism' was formed in modern English from the verb 'conform' (from Old French 'conformer' / Latin 'conformare') plus the suffix '-ism' (via French '-isme'); 'conformare' in Latin is 'con-' + 'formare'.

Initially, the root 'conformare' meant 'to form together' or 'to shape in accordance'; over time the derived noun 'conformism' came to mean the social practice or tendency of adapting oneself to prevailing norms and standards.