'privatize' originates from the word 'private,' which comes from Latin 'privatus,' meaning 'set apart, belonging to oneself.'

'privatus' evolved into the Old French word 'privé,' and eventually became the modern English word 'private,' leading to the formation of 'privatize.'

Initially, it meant 'to make private,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'transferring to private ownership.'