'vegetalize' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'vegetal' + the verb-forming suffix '-ize', where 'vegetal' ultimately comes from Latin 'vegetalis' meaning 'lively' or 'vigorous'.

'vegetal' derived from Latin 'vegetalis' (from 'vegetare'/'vegetus'), entered Old French as 'vegetal'/'vegetal-', and later was adopted into Middle/Modern English as 'vegetal'; English then added '-ize' to create 'vegetalize'.

Initially associated with 'liveliness' or 'vigor' in Latin ('vegetalis'), the sense shifted toward 'relating to plants' ('vegetal') and finally to the action 'to make plant-like' in 'vegetalize'.