'Anti-Masonic' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against', borrowed via Latin) plus 'Masonic' (from 'Mason' + adjectival suffix '-ic'), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'Masonic' related to 'Mason'.

'Masonic' developed from the noun 'Mason' (from Old French 'maçon', meaning 'stone-worker') with the suffix '-ic' in Early Modern English; the compound 'anti-Masonic' arose in English by the early 19th century, notably in reference to opposition movements and the Anti-Masonic Party in the United States.

Initially used in the literal sense of 'against masons' or 'against masonry'; by the 19th century it came to denote political and social opposition to Freemasonry, including organized movements and parties opposing the fraternity's perceived secrecy and influence.