'rejoice' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'rejoir,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'joir' meant 'to be glad.'

'rejoir' transformed into the Middle English word 'rejoicen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rejoice'.

Initially, it meant 'to be glad again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to feel or show great joy or delight.'