'anti-cleric' originates from the Greek prefix 'anti-' (Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' combined with the word 'cleric'. 'Cleric' itself comes from Greek 'klērikos' via Latin 'clericus' where the root referred to someone belonging to the clergy.

'cleric' entered English from Old English 'clerc' (from Latin 'clericus', from Greek 'klērikos'). The element 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') was later attached in modern English to form compounds such as 'anti-cleric' (parallel to 'anti-clerical'), producing the modern English 'anti-cleric'.

Initially related to opposition to clerical power or influence ('against the clergy'), the term's meaning has remained largely consistent and is still used to describe persons, attitudes, or movements opposed to clerics or clerical authority.