The word procreate comes from the Latin verb procreare, which is a combination of two parts: pro-, meaning “forth” or “forward,” and creare, meaning “to create” or “to bring into existence.” Together, procreare means “to bring forth” or “to beget.” The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, retaining its sense of bringing forth offspring or creating new life.
In this sense, procreate refers to the biological act of reproduction, with the root meaning emphasizing the act of creation or generating life.