'jettison' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'getteson,' where 'get' meant 'to throw' and 'son' meant 'away.'

'getteson' transformed into the modern English word 'jettison' through Old French 'getaison.'

Initially, it meant 'to throw goods overboard to lighten a ship,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to discard or throw away.'