'apprise' originates from French, specifically the word 'apprendre,' where 'ap-' meant 'to' and 'prendre' meant 'take or seize.'

'apprendre' transformed into the French word 'appriser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apprise' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to take or seize information,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to inform or notify someone.'