'anti-clerical' originates from Modern English, specifically the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' and 'clerical' ultimately from Late Latin 'clericalis' (related to Latin 'clericus') where 'clericus' referred to a 'clergyman'.

'anti-clerical' developed in English by combining the prefix 'anti-' with 'clerical' (from Old French/Latin forms related to 'cleric'); the adjective produced the derived adverb 'anti-clerically' in later usage.

Initially formed to indicate opposition to clerics or the clergy's influence, it has retained that core sense; over time it has been used for political, cultural, and social opposition to clerical power.