'anti-Communist' originates from English, specifically from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-') meaning 'against' and the word 'Communist' (from 'Communism'), where 'Communism' ultimately derives from Latin 'communis' meaning 'common'.

'anti-Communist' was formed in modern English by adding the prefix 'anti-' to 'Communist'; 'Communist' entered English in the 19th century via French 'communisme' (from Latin/French roots) associated with political movements.

Initially it referred specifically to individuals or movements opposing early communist movements; over time it retained the core sense and now broadly means 'opposed to Communism or Communists.'