'lunge' originates from Middle French influence, ultimately linked to Latin 'longus' meaning 'long' (via Old French 'allonger' meaning 'to lengthen' or 'to stretch out'), where the sense was of extending or thrusting out.

'lunge' changed from Middle French/Old French words such as 'allonger' (to lengthen/extend) and through Early Modern English senses of 'to thrust or extend forward', eventually becoming the modern English verb 'lunge' with the sense of a sudden forward thrust.

Initially related to the idea of 'extending' or 'making longer,' the meaning shifted over time toward a sudden forward extension or thrust, resulting in the current sense of 'a sudden forward movement or attack.'