'obtain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obtinere,' where 'ob-' meant 'toward' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'obtinere' transformed into the Old French word 'obtenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obtain' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold or possess,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to gain possession of something.'