'anti-eroticism' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') attached to 'eroticism' (from Greek 'eros' via Latin/French).

'eroticism' comes from Greek 'eros' (love, desire), through Late Latin/Latinized form 'eroticus' and French 'érotisme', becoming English 'eroticism'. The prefix 'anti-' (Greek 'anti-') was later combined with 'eroticism' in Modern English to form 'anti-eroticism'.

Initially the components meant 'against' + 'erotic(ism)', and together the compound has consistently meant opposition to eroticism or the rejection of erotic expression.