'deoxygenate' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'removal' and 'oxygenate' from 'oxygen', which is derived from the Greek word 'oxys' meaning 'sharp' or 'acid' and 'genes' meaning 'producer'.

'deoxygenate' evolved from the combination of 'de-' and 'oxygenate', which was formed in the 19th century as scientific understanding of oxygen developed.

Initially, it meant 'to remove oxygen', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.