'anchoritism' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'anchorita,' where 'anachoreta' meant 'one who has retired from the world for religious reasons.'

'anchoritism' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'anchorita' and eventually became the modern English word 'anchoritism.'

Initially, it meant 'the state or practice of being an anchorite (hermit),' and this meaning has remained largely the same in modern usage.