The Spanish verb 'pujar' (meaning 'to push' or 'to bid') traces its origins to the Latin word 'pellere', which meant 'to push or drive'. This evolved into the Latin frequentative form 'pulsare', meaning 'to push repeatedly'. The word then developed into Old Spanish 'puxar' before finally becoming the modern Spanish 'pujar'. The meaning expanded from just physical pushing to include bidding in auctions or negotiations, likely because bidding can be seen as 'pushing' the price higher.

Some related Spanish words include 'empujar' (to push), which is formed by adding the prefix 'em-' to the same root. There's also 'pujante' (powerful, mighty), which derives from the idea of something having pushing force or strength.

Several English words share the same Latin root 'pellere'. These include 'pulse' (from 'pulsare', referring to the rhythmic pushing of blood through vessels), 'propel' (to push forward), 'repel' (to push back), and 'expel' (to push out). 'Compel' and 'impel' also come from this same root, all sharing the basic concept of pushing or driving force.