'recuperate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'recuperare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'cuperare' meant 'to take or seize.'

'recuperare' transformed into the French word 'récupérer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recuperate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to take back or regain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to recover or heal.'