'multiply' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'multiplicare,' where 'multi-' meant 'many' and 'plicare' meant 'to fold.'

'multiplicare' transformed into the Old French word 'multiplier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'multiply' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to fold many times,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to increase in number or perform multiplication.'