'explorer' originates from the Latin word 'explorare', where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'plorare' meant 'to cry out or to search'.

'explorare' transformed into the Old French word 'explorer', and eventually became the modern English word 'explorer'.

Initially, it meant 'to search out', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who investigates unknown regions'.