'permit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'permittere,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'mittere' meant 'to send.'

'permittere' transformed into the Old French word 'permettre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'permit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to send through or allow passage,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to allow or authorize.'