'incur' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incurrere,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'currere' meant 'to run.'

'incurrere' transformed into the Old French word 'encorir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incur' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to run into or encounter,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to become subject to something unwelcome.'