'regard' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'regarder,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'garder' meant 'to look or watch.'

'regarder' transformed into the Middle English word 'regarden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'regard.'

Initially, it meant 'to look at or consider,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to respect or esteem.'