'pacifistic' originates from English, formed from 'pacifist' + adjectival suffix '-ic'/'-istic', ultimately tracing back to Latin 'pacificus' where 'pac-' or 'pax' meant 'peace'.

'pacifistic' developed in English from the noun 'pacifist' (from French 'pacifiste'), itself from Latin 'pacificus' ('peace-making'); the adjectival form was created by adding '-ic'/'-istic' to express 'relating to pacifism'.

Initially related directly to 'pacifism' (the belief in avoiding war and violence); over time it has retained that core meaning but also acquired a critical sense of being excessively or impractically peaceful.