'embark' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'embarquer', where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'barque' meant 'ship'.

'embarquer' transformed into the Middle English word 'embarken', and eventually became the modern English word 'embark'.

Initially, it meant 'to board a ship', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to begin a journey or project'.