'reinitiate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'initiare,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'ire' meant 'to go.'

'initiare' transformed into the French word 'initier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'initiate' through Middle English, with 're-' added to indicate repetition.

Initially, it meant 'to begin or start something,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.