'anodyne' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anodynon', where 'an-' meant 'not' and 'odunē' (or 'odyn-') meant 'pain'.

'anodyne' passed into Late Latin as 'anodynum', and via Medieval/Old French forms entered Middle English (e.g. 'anodyn', 'anodine'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'anodyne'.

Initially it meant 'something that removes or relieves pain' (a pain-relieving substance); over time it developed an extended meaning of 'inoffensive, bland, or soothing' (i.e., something that calms or avoids controversy).