'expect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expectare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'spectare' meant 'to look at.'

'expectare' transformed into the Old French word 'expecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to look out for,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to anticipate or regard as likely to happen.'