'deviate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deviatus,' where 'de-' meant 'away from' and 'via' meant 'way.'

'deviatus' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'deviatus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deviate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to turn aside from a way or course,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.