'surpass' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'surpasser,' where 'sur-' meant 'over' and 'passer' meant 'to pass.'

'surpasser' transformed into the Middle English word 'surpassen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'surpass.'

Initially, it meant 'to pass over or beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to exceed or excel.'