'redact' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'redactus,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'agere' meant 'to drive or lead.'

'redactus' transformed into the French word 'redacter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'redact' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to drive back or bring together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to edit or prepare for publication.'