'fret' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fretan', where 'fre-' meant 'to devour' and '-tan' meant 'to consume'.

'fretan' changed from the Old English word 'fretan' and eventually became the modern English word 'fret'.

Initially, it meant 'to devour or consume', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to worry or be anxious'.