'risk-taker' originates from the combination of 'risk' and 'taker', where 'risk' comes from the Italian word 'risco', meaning 'danger', and 'taker' is derived from the Old English 'tacan', meaning 'to take'.

'risk' changed from the Italian word 'risco' and eventually became the modern English word 'risk'. 'Taker' evolved from the Old English 'tacan'.

Initially, 'risk' meant 'danger', and 'taker' meant 'one who takes'. Over time, the compound word 'risk-taker' evolved to mean someone who willingly engages in risky activities.