'respect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'respectus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'specere' meant 'to look.'

'respectus' transformed into the Old French word 'respect,' and eventually became the modern English word 'respect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to look back at or regard,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'admiration or esteem.'