'distend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distendere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'

'distendere' transformed into the Old French word 'distendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distend' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stretch apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to swell or expand due to internal pressure.'