'warship' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wǣrscip,' where 'wǣr' meant 'war' and 'scip' meant 'ship.'

'wǣrscip' transformed into the Middle English word 'warship,' and eventually became the modern English word 'warship.'

Initially, it meant 'a ship used in war,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.