'conviction' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'convictio,' where 'con-' meant 'with' and 'vincere' meant 'to conquer.'

'convictio' transformed into the Old French word 'conviction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'conviction' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of convincing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a firmly held belief or opinion.'