'anesthetist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anesthesia,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'aisthēsis' meant 'sensation.' The suffix '-ist' denotes a person who practices or is concerned with something.

'anesthesia' was adopted into English in the 19th century, and 'anesthetist' was formed to describe a person who administers anesthesia. The word became common in medical English.

Initially, it meant 'a person who administers anesthesia,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.