'anacatharsis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anakatharsis,' where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'katharsis' meant 'cleansing.'

'anakatharsis' transformed into the Latin word 'anacatharsis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anacatharsis.'

Initially, it meant 'upward cleansing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'vomiting or expectoration.'