'anti-Pharisaic' is formed from the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' combined with 'Pharisaic', which relates to 'Pharisee' (a member of the ancient Jewish sect).

'Pharisee' entered English via Greek 'Pharisaios' (from Hebrew 'perushim' meaning 'separated ones'); 'Pharisaic' developed in English as an adjective from 'Pharisee', and the combining form 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') was attached to yield 'anti-Pharisaic' meaning 'against Pharisaic attitudes'.

Originally referring specifically to opposition to the Pharisees (the historical group), it has broadened to describe opposition to or criticism of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, or legalistic moralism in general.