'languish' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'languir', where 'langu-' meant 'to be weak or faint'.

'languir' transformed into the Middle English word 'languishen', and eventually became the modern English word 'languish'.

Initially, it meant 'to be weak or faint', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to become weak or suffer from being in an unpleasant situation'.