repulsivus

Forms

repulsīvus, repulsīva, repulsīvum; first and second declension^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin repulsus¹ (“driven back”) + -īvus, the participle being that of repellō (“to drive back”).^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is a medieval word, which Köbler dates from the 9th century,^[1] meaning “having the power to repel”.^[2]

Semantic evolution

British sources use it of a castle's strength that repels enemy ambushes, and abstractly: John Peckham speaks of the irascible power as repulsive of contraries, and an Oxford letter of 1426 of setting aside any obstacle.^[2] In law, vis repulsiva was the force used to drive someone out of their possessions.^[2] Köbler also glosses it “repellent, disgusting”.^[1]

English repulsive appeared in the early 15th century, in Guy de Chauliac's medicine, for what can drive back collected humours; it is from Old French repulsif and directly from this Medieval Latin word.^[3]

Timeline

• 9th century – Köbler's first record.^[1]
• 1426 – An Oxford letter uses it, as a noun, for an obstacle that is removed.^[2]
• early 15th century – English borrows it as repulsive, in medicine.^[3]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (Medieval Latin) That repels or drives back.^[2][1]
2. (Medieval Latin, law) vis repulsīva: force used to drive a person from their possessions.^[2]
3. (Medieval Latin) Repellent, repulsive.^[1]

Related words

• repulsio
• English repulsive

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
2. ^ a b c d e f g Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com