'delete' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'delēre,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'lēre' meant 'to smear or wipe out.'

'delēre' transformed into the French word 'délétér,' and eventually became the modern English word 'delete' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to wipe out or destroy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to remove or erase something.'