'repudiate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'repudiare,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'pudere' meant 'to be ashamed.'

'repudiare' transformed into the Late Latin word 'repudiatus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'repudiate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to cast off or divorce,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to reject or disown.'