'rescind' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rescindere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'scindere' meant 'to cut.'

'rescindere' transformed into the French word 'rescindre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rescind' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cut back or cut off,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to revoke or cancel.'