'delude' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deludere,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'ludere' meant 'to play.'

'deludere' transformed into the Old French word 'deluder,' and eventually became the modern English word 'delude' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to play false or deceive,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.