'summon' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'somoner', where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'monere' meant 'to warn'.

'somoner' transformed into the Middle English word 'somonen', and eventually became the modern English word 'summon'.

Initially, it meant 'to warn or remind', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to call upon someone to be present'.