'perish' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'perir,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'ire' meant 'to go.'

'perir' transformed into the Middle English word 'perisshen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'perish'.

Initially, it meant 'to pass away or go through,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to die or be destroyed.'