'sublimate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sublimare,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'limen' meant 'threshold.'

'sublimare' transformed into the French word 'sublimer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sublimate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to elevate or raise,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to transform a substance from solid to gas without passing through a liquid phase.'