'pre-approval' originates from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the word 'approval' from Latin 'approbare', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'probare' meant 'to test or prove'.

'approbare' transformed into the Old French word 'aprover', and eventually became the modern English word 'approve', with 'pre-' added to indicate prior approval.

Initially, it meant 'to test or prove before', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'approval given in advance'.