Active, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, is from the ag- Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to drive, draw out or forth, move.' Middle Irish ag "battle," Greek agein 'to lead, guide, drive, carry off,' agon 'assembly, contest in the games' (as in Olympic 'Games') Originally from the ancient Egyptian word for 'choosing sides' for battle, wegen.

Submitted by J.L. Allyn