'surmount' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'surmonter,' where 'sur-' meant 'over' and 'monter' meant 'to mount.'

'surmonter' transformed into the Middle English word 'surmounten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'surmount.'

Initially, it meant 'to rise above or ascend,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to overcome or be placed on top of.'