'enormity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'enormitas,' where 'e-' meant 'out of' and 'norma' meant 'rule or pattern.'

'enormitas' transformed into the Old French word 'enormité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'enormity' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'deviation from a norm or rule,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.'