'anti-catalytically' originates from Greek elements via modern English formation: the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) combined with 'catalytic' (from Greek 'katalysis' through Latin/French 'catalyse'), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'katalysis' meant 'loosening' or 'dissolution'.

'anti-catalytically' changed from the modern English compound of 'anti-' + 'catalytic' (the adjective form derived from 'catalysis'); 'catalysis' itself came from Greek 'katalysis' and entered English through Latin and French, and the adverb was formed by adding the suffix '-ally' to the adjective 'catalytic' (via 'anti-catalytic').

Initially the components conveyed an idea of being 'against catalysis' (opposing the process of catalysis); over time the compound has been used in technical contexts to mean 'in a manner that opposes or inhibits catalytic action,' a meaning that has been retained in modern usage.