'insentient' originates from Latin, specifically from the prefix 'in-' + 'sentient' (from Latin 'sentire'), where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'sentire' meant 'to feel'.

'insentient' changed from Late/Medieval Latin formations (e.g. 'insentiens') and entered English via New Latin/Medieval usage, eventually becoming the modern English word 'insentient'.

Initially, it meant 'not feeling' or 'without sensation'; over time it has maintained that core sense and is now used to mean 'lacking sensation, feeling, or consciousness' (often applied to objects or entities).