'reciprocate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reciprocatus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'pro-' meant 'forward.'

'reciprocatus' transformed into the French word 'reciproquer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reciprocate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to move back and forth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to give and take mutually.'