'traffic' originates from Old Italian, specifically the word 'traffico,' where 'tra-' meant 'across' and 'facere' meant 'to make or do.'

'traffico' transformed into the French word 'trafic,' and eventually became the modern English word 'traffic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'trade or commerce,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'movement of vehicles or people.'