'decompose' originates from the Latin word 'decomponere,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'componere' meant 'to put together.'

'decomponere' transformed into the French word 'décomposer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'decompose' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to separate into parts,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to break down into simpler components.'