'stride' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'strīdan', where 'strīdan' meant 'to stride; to fight'.

'stride' changed from Old English word 'strīdan' to Middle English 'striden' and eventually became the modern English word 'stride'.

Initially, it meant 'to stride; to fight', but over time it evolved into the current primary meaning of 'to walk with long decisive steps' (while some combat-related senses have become archaic).