'strive' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estriver,' where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'triver' meant 'to quarrel or compete.'

'estriver' transformed into the Middle English word 'striven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'strive.'

Initially, it meant 'to quarrel or compete,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make great efforts to achieve something.'