'depository' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depositorium,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'ponere' meant 'to place.'

'depositorium' transformed into the French word 'dépositoire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depository' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place to put away,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place where things are stored for safekeeping.'