'submissive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'submissus,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'mittere' meant 'to send.'

'submissus' transformed into the Old French word 'submissif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'submissive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to send under or yield,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'willing to obey or yield to others.'