'vesicate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vesicare', where 'vesica' meant 'blister' or 'bladder'.

'vesicate' changed from Late Latin 'vesicatus' and Medieval Latin 'vesicare' and was adopted into English in the 17th century with the suffix '-ate'.

Initially, it meant 'to cause a blister', and this core meaning has remained largely unchanged; modern use is mainly medical or technical.