'abstergent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstergēns,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'tergēre' meant 'to wipe.'

'abstergēns' transformed into the French word 'abstergent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abstergent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to wipe away or cleanse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having the property of cleansing or purging.'