'occur' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'occurrere', where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'currere' meant 'to run'.

'occurrere' transformed into the Old French word 'occurrer', and eventually became the modern English word 'occur' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to run against or meet', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to happen or take place'.