Why does "defenestrate" mean "throw someone out a window" and not "remove a window"?

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Track title: Realization

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Chapters
00:00 Why Does &Quot;Defenestrate&Quot; Mean &Quot;Throw Someone Out A Window&Quot; And Not &Quot;Remove A
00:24 Accepted Answer Score 36
00:51 Answer 2 Score 14
01:05 Thank you

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ACCEPTED ANSWER

Score 36

ODO gives its etymology (at defenestration) as

early 17th century: from modern Latin defenestratio(n-), from de- 'down from' + Latin fenestra 'window'.

That is, de- does not mean "remove" in this case; it retains its Latin meaning.

De- has a variety of meanings, but the sense of "removal" or "negation" comes ultimately from dis-.

ANSWER 2

Score 14

As Andrew points out, De- has a variety of meanings.

'Defenstrate' isn't the only word using this form. 'Deport' is essentially 'thrown out the door', and 'deplane' means to exit an airplane.