'service' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'service', which in turn comes from Latin 'servitium' and the verb 'servire' where 'servus' meant 'slave' and 'servire' meant 'to serve'.

'service' evolved from Latin 'servitium' (meaning 'slavery, servitude') into Old French 'service', passed into Middle English as 'service', and eventually became the modern English word 'service' and its derived forms such as 'servicing'.

Initially it referred to 'slavery' or 'servitude' and the condition of a 'servant'; over time the sense shifted toward 'the act of serving' and further to 'assistance, maintenance, or the performance of duties', which is the basis of the modern meanings.