'disapproving' originates from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'approve' from Latin 'approbare', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'probare' meant 'test or prove'.

'disapproving' evolved from the Middle English word 'disapproven', which was derived from the Old French 'desaprouver'.

Initially, it meant 'to not approve or sanction', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing disapproval'.