- respect (n.)
- c.1300, from Latin respectus "regard," literally "act of looking back at one," past participle of respicere "look back at, regard, consider," from re- "back" + specere "look at" (see scope (n.1)).
- respect (v.)
- 1540s, from respect (n.). Meaning "treat with deferential regard or esteem" is from 1550s. Related: Respected; respecting.