repellent etymology

Etymology:

  • "Repellent" comes from the Latin "repellere," meaning "to push back," or "to drive away."
  • The word was first used in English in the 15th century.

Meaning:

  • An agent or substance that repels or drives away something unwanted, such as insects, pests, or odors.

Origin:

  • The earliest known use of "repellent" in English can be found in the writings of John Trevisa, a 14th-century English historian and translator.
  • In his work, "Polychronicon," which was completed in 1385, Trevisa wrote: "There be no lions in England, nor adders, nor serpents, nor snails, nor toads, nor frogs, nor no bees, nor no wasps, nor no flies, nor no other vermin that may grieve man or beast, but only wolves, foxes, and cats."
  • The word "vermin" used here by Trevisa refers to any harmful or annoying animal.
  • By using the word "repellent" Trevisa implies that England is free from pests and insects that might cause harm to humans or animals.

repellent relate terms

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