'avulse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'avulsus' (past participle of 'avellere'), where the prefix 'ab-' (appearing as 'a-') meant 'away' and 'vellere' meant 'to pluck or tear'.

'avulse' passed into English from Late Latin and French (compare French 'avulser'), coming ultimately from Latin 'avulsus' (from 'avellere'), and entered English in forms such as 'avulse' and 'avulsed'.

Initially, it meant 'to pluck or tear away', and over time it has kept that core sense but acquired specialized medical usage (e.g., tissues or teeth 'avulsed' by trauma).