'incontinence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incontinentia,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'continentia' meant 'holding together.'

'incontinentia' transformed into the Old French word 'incontinence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incontinence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'lack of restraint,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'inability to control bodily functions.'