'negate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'negare,' where 'neg-' meant 'not' and '-are' was a verb-forming suffix.

'negare' transformed into the French word 'néguer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'negate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to deny or say no,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to nullify or invalidate.'