'anti-fermentative' originates from Greek and Latin, specifically the prefix 'anti-' from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', and the root 'ferment-' from Latin 'fermentum' meaning 'leaven' or 'to ferment'.

'anti-fermentative' changed from Latin 'fermentum' to Old French 'ferment' and Middle English 'ferment', from which English formed adjectives like 'fermentative'; the addition of the Greek prefix 'anti-' produced the compound 'anti-fermentative' in technical usage.

Initially, the elements meant 'against' and 'leaven/fermentation', and over time the compound evolved to mean specifically 'inhibiting fermentation' (used of agents or properties).