'depict' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depictus', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'pingere' meant 'to paint'.

'depictus' transformed into the French word 'dépeindre', and eventually became the modern English word 'depict' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to paint down', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to represent or show something in a picture or story'.