'irrepressible' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reprimere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

'reprimere' transformed into the Old French word 'repressible,' and eventually became the modern English word 'irrepressible' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'capable of being repressed,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not able to be controlled or restrained.'