'predate' originates from the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before') combined with the noun 'date' (from Latin 'datum' via Old French 'date').

The word shows two historical strands. The sense 'to prey upon' traces to Latin 'praedari' (to plunder) via Medieval Latin 'praedatus' and entered English in the early 17th century. The chronological sense 'to occur earlier than' was formed later (18th century) by combining 'pre-' + 'date' and became the modern chronological meaning.

Initially one historical lineage produced the meaning 'to plunder or prey upon', but over time a separate formation by 'pre-' + 'date' developed the meaning 'to come before in time', which is now common in chronological contexts.