'superannuate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'superannuatus,' where 'super-' meant 'above' and 'annus' meant 'year.'

'superannuatus' transformed into the French word 'superannuer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'superannuate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to be older than a year,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to retire with a pension due to age or infirmity.'