'deform' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deformare', where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'formare' meant 'to form'.

'deformare' transformed into the Old French word 'deformer', and eventually became the modern English word 'deform' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to disfigure or spoil the shape of something', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.