'distribute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distribuere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'tribuere' meant 'to assign.'

'distribuere' transformed into the Old French word 'distribuer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distribute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to assign or divide among,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to spread or disperse widely.'