'decouple' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'remove' and the word 'couple' meaning 'to link or connect'.

'decouple' changed from the Old French word 'decoupler' and eventually became the modern English word 'decouple'.

Initially, it meant 'to unfasten or detach', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to separate or disengage two things that are connected'.