'anchoret' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anachōrētēs,' where 'ana-' meant 'back' and 'chōrein' meant 'to withdraw.'

'anachōrētēs' changed from the Late Latin word 'anachoreta' and Old French 'ancorète,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anchoret.'

Initially, it meant 'one who withdraws from society for religious reasons,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.