'revert' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'revertere', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'vertere' meant 'to turn'.

'revertere' changed through Medieval Latin and Anglo-Norman/Middle English forms (e.g. Middle English 'reverten') and eventually became the modern English word 'revert'.

Initially it meant 'to turn back', but over time it evolved into the current common sense of 'returning to a former state, owner, or practice'.