'anthologize' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'anthology' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. 'Anthology' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthologia', where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and the element '-logia' (from 'legein') meant 'a gathering/collection (to gather/speak)'.

'anthologize' changed from Greek 'anthologia' into Late Latin/Medieval borrowings and then English 'anthology'; the verb 'anthologize' was formed in modern English by adding '-ize' (attested from the 19th century) to produce the meaning related to collecting literary works.

Initially 'anthologia' literally meant 'a gathering of flowers', but over time the sense shifted to 'a collection' (especially of literary pieces); the verb now means 'to collect or select works for an anthology'.