'excavate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excavare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'cavare' meant 'to hollow.'

'excavare' transformed into the French word 'excaver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excavate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hollow out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to dig out and remove earth or other material.'