'without' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wiþūtan,' where 'wiþ' meant 'against' and 'ūtan' meant 'outside.'

'wiþūtan' transformed into the Middle English word 'withoute,' and eventually became the modern English word 'without'.

Initially, it meant 'outside' or 'beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in the absence of.'