The Spanish verb 'desalojar' (meaning 'to evict' or 'to dislodge') comes from combining the prefix 'des-' (indicating reversal or negation) with the verb 'alojar' (meaning 'to lodge'). The verb 'alojar' itself came into Spanish through Provençal 'alotjar' ('to lodge'), which ultimately traces back to the Germanic word 'lauba', meaning 'arbor' or 'shelter'. This etymology shows how a word for providing shelter evolved to mean its opposite - removing someone from shelter - through the addition of the negative prefix.

A simpler and more common related Spanish word is 'alojar' meaning 'to lodge' or 'to accommodate'. While 'alojar' refers to providing accommodation or shelter, 'desalojar' means the opposite - to remove someone from accommodation. Another related word is 'alojamiento' meaning 'lodging' or 'accommodation'.

While not directly related, the English word 'lodge' shares a similar Germanic origin with 'desalojar'. Both ultimately trace back to words meaning shelter or covering. The English 'lodge' maintained its connection to temporary shelter or accommodation, while the Spanish 'desalojar' developed to specifically mean removing someone from such accommodation.