'strive' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estriver' meaning 'to quarrel or contend.'

'strive' changed through Middle English (forms such as 'striven' and 'striven/strivene') after Old French 'estriver' and eventually became the modern English verb 'strive.'

Initially it meant 'to quarrel or contend,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.'