'survive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'supervivere,' where 'super-' meant 'over' and 'vivere' meant 'to live.'

'supervivere' transformed into the Old French word 'sourvivre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'survive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to live beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.'