'anti-export' originates from the prefix 'anti-' and the word 'export'. 'anti-' ultimately comes from Greek 'anti' (via Latin and Old French), where 'anti-' meant 'against'. 'export' originates from Latin 'exportare', where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'portare' meant 'to carry'.

'export' developed from Latin 'exportare' into Medieval/Old French forms and Middle English (e.g. 'exporten'), eventually becoming the modern English 'export'. The prefix 'anti-' entered English via classical and Romance-language routes and was later combined with modern English nouns to form compounds such as 'anti-export'.

Initially, 'export' meant 'to carry out (of goods)' and 'anti-' meant 'against'; over time the compound came to be used to describe opposition to the sending of goods abroad or policies that restrict exports.