'establish' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'establir,' where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'stabilire' meant 'to make stable.'

'establir' transformed into the Middle English word 'establissen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'establish.'

Initially, it meant 'to make stable or firm,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to set up or prove.'