'degenerate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'degenerare,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'genus' meant 'birth, race, kind.'

'degenerare' transformed into the Old French word 'degenerer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'degenerate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to fall from one's kind or race,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to decline or deteriorate.'