apabhid

 

In Sanskrit, "apabhid" is derived from the root "apa-√bhid" and

typically means "to drive away" or "to repel," used in the imperative 

form in classical texts.

Grammatical Form and Etymology

The term apabhid comes from the Sanskrit root √bhid, which means 

“to split” or “to break,” combined with the prefix apa-, denoting “away” 

or “off.” In its usage in classical Sanskrit, apabhid appears in the

imperative second person singular as -bhindhí (or -bhinddhi), 

commanding someone to drive away or dispel something
.

• apa-: away, off
• √bhid: to break, separate, or drive away
• apabhid: drive away, repel (imperative form)

For example, this form occurs in Rigveda viii.45.40 as a directive verb 

used in hymns
.

Related Terms

Apabhi (अपभी): An adjective meaning fearless or undaunted, formed 

from apa (away) + bhī (fear)

1

. Although similar in spelling, it conveys 

an entirely different meaning, focusing on courage rather than 

an action of driving away.

Apabhraṃśa (अपभ्रंश): Literally means “corrupt” or “non-grammatical 

language” in Sanskrit, used by grammarians to describe vernacular 

dialects deviating from classical Sanskrit norms

1

. This shows

the broader usage of the prefix apa- to indicate “away from the norm.”

• 

  

  2 Sources

Usage in Texts

Imperative action: “apabhid” is a directive for someone to remove, 

drive off, or dispel an obstacle. It appears prominently in Vedic and 

classical literature where ritual or protective actions are invoked.

Connection to Sanskrit roots: Highlights the productivity of apa- 

and √bhid in forming both nouns and verbs with related directional 

or action-oriented meanings.

In summary, apabhid is a Sanskrit imperative verb meaning “drive away”,

rooted in the combination of apa- (away) and √bhid (split, break), while

related terms like apabhi and apabhraṃśa illustrate variations in meaning

from fearlessness to deviation from grammatical norms

Wisdom Library+2

.