'await' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'awaitier,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'waitier' meant 'to watch or guard.'

'awaitier' transformed into the Middle English word 'awaiten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'await.'

Initially, it meant 'to watch or guard,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to wait for something.'