'ennoble' originates from French, specifically the word 'ennoblir', where the prefix 'en-' meant 'in, into' and 'noble' meant 'noble'.

'ennoble' changed from Old French 'enoblir'/'ennoblir' and from Medieval Latin/French influenced forms derived from Latin 'nobilis', and eventually became the modern English verb 'ennoble' (with the -ing form 'ennobling').

Initially, it meant 'to make or declare noble (in rank or character)'; over time it has retained this core sense and is now used both literally (granting nobility) and figuratively (elevating character or dignity).