'pre-paid' originates from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the verb 'pay', which comes from Latin 'pacare', meaning 'to appease or satisfy'.

'prepay' changed from the Old French word 'paier' and eventually became the modern English word 'pay'.

Initially, it meant 'to satisfy or appease', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to give money in exchange for goods or services'.