'mummify' originates from the Medieval Latin word 'mumia', which was derived from the Arabic word 'mūmiyā', meaning 'embalmed body'.

'mumia' transformed into the French word 'momie', and eventually became the modern English word 'mummify' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to embalm a body', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to preserve a body by embalming and drying'.