'misapprehend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'apprehendere,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'prehendere' meant 'to seize.' The prefix 'mis-' indicates a wrong or incorrect action.

'apprehendere' transformed into the Old French word 'apprehender,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apprehend.' The prefix 'mis-' was added to form 'misapprehend.'

Initially, it meant 'to seize or grasp something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to misunderstand or misinterpret.'