'downtrodden' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'tredan,' where 'tred-' meant 'to tread or step on.'

'tredan' transformed into the Middle English word 'treden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tread,' which forms part of 'downtrodden.'

Initially, it meant 'to step on or crush underfoot,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'oppressed or treated badly.'