'scent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sentire,' where the root meant 'to feel' or 'to perceive.'

'scent' passed into English via Old French (verbs like 'sentir') and Middle English forms (e.g. 'sente', 'scent'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'scent' used for both smell and the act of smelling.

Initially it broadly meant 'to feel or perceive' in Latin, and over time the sense narrowed in English to primarily refer to perception by smell and to odors themselves.