'denude' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denudare,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'nudare' meant 'to make naked.'

'denudare' transformed into the French word 'dénuder,' and eventually became the modern English word 'denude' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make naked or bare,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.