'rescue' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'rescous'/'rescuer', ultimately influenced by Latin roots meaning 'recover' (from Latin 'recuperare' via Romance forms).

'rescue' changed from Old French 'rescous'/'rescuer' into Middle English 'rescue' and eventually became the modern English word 'rescue'.

Initially, it carried the sense of 'to recover or get back' (something or someone); over time it shifted toward the current sense of 'to save from danger or harm'.