Latin: repletio, from re- ("back") + pleo ("to fill")
Old French: replecion
Middle English: replecioun
Meaning and Origin
Repletion refers to the state of being filled to capacity or overflowing.
In the late 14th century, it was used in a medical context to describe a bodily condition caused by an excess of fluids or humors. This usage is based on the idea that the body's "humors" (such as blood, phlegm, and bile) could become unbalanced, leading to various illnesses.
By the 16th century, it was also used figuratively to describe a state of abundance or excess in other areas, such as wealth, knowledge, or emotions. This usage arose from the idea that a person or entity could be filled or overwhelmed by too much of a good thing.
Usage
Today, repletion is used in various contexts to indicate:
A full or overloaded condition, such as a stomach that is distended from eating too much
An abundance or surplus, such as an oversupply of goods in a market
An excessive or overwhelming amount, such as a person who is overwhelmed with emotions or information