'divest' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'divestire,' where 'di-' meant 'away' and 'vestire' meant 'to clothe.'

'divestire' transformed into the Old French word 'desvestir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'divest' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to undress or strip,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to deprive or rid of something.'