'predecease' originates from Latin and Old French elements: the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae') meaning 'before' combined with 'decease' (from Old French 'deces'), ultimately from Latin 'decessus'/'decēdere' meaning 'to depart (away)'.

'predecease' was formed in English by adding the prefix 'pre-' to the noun/verb 'decease' (Middle English from Old French 'deces', from Latin 'decessus'), producing the compound meaning 'to die before'.

Initially rooted in euphemistic senses of 'depart' or 'leave' (from Latin 'decēdere'), it evolved into the specific sense 'to die before someone', which is the modern meaning.