'malware' originates from English, specifically a blend of 'malicious' and 'software', where 'malicious' meant 'intending to do harm' and 'software' referred to 'programs used by a computer'.

'malicious software' was shortened to 'malware' in the late 20th century, becoming the modern English term 'malware'.

Initially, it meant 'software intended to harm or exploit', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.