'unclothe' originates from Middle English, specifically the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'clothe,' which comes from Old English 'clāþian,' meaning 'to dress or cover with clothing.'

'clāþian' transformed into the Middle English word 'clothe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'clothe.' The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unclothe.'

Initially, it meant 'to remove clothing,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.