'aspersive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aspersus', where 'aspergere' meant 'to sprinkle' (from ad- 'toward' + spargere 'to scatter').

'aspersive' developed in English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms related to 'aspersio'/'aspersare' and the noun 'aspersion'; the adjective formed in Modern English as 'aspersive' from the stem 'aspers-' plus the adjectival suffix '-ive'.

Initially related to the literal sense 'to sprinkle' (e.g., sprinkle water), the sense shifted figuratively to 'besmirch' or 'attack (someone's) reputation', leading to the modern meaning 'tending to asperse; slanderous'.