'expedite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expeditus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'ped-' meant 'foot.'

'expeditus' transformed into the French word 'expédier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expedite' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to free from a snare or trap,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speed up the progress of something.'