'wormwood' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wermōd', where 'wer' meant 'man' and 'mōd' meant 'mind'.

'wermōd' transformed into the Middle English word 'wormwode', and eventually became the modern English word 'wormwood'.

Initially, it meant 'a plant used for medicinal purposes', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a bitter herb'.