'destitute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'destitutus,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'statuere' meant 'to set or place.'

'destitutus' transformed into the Old French word 'destituer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'destitute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to abandon or forsake,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking resources or means of subsistence.'