'repatriate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'repatriare,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'patria' meant 'native land.'

'repatriare' transformed into the French word 'répatrier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'repatriate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to return to one's native land,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.