'abstersive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstersivus,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'stergere' meant 'to wipe.'

'abstersivus' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'abstersivus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abstersive.'

Initially, it meant 'to wipe away or cleanse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.