'anti-idolizing' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'idolize' (from 'idol' + suffix '-ize'), where 'idol' ultimately comes from Greek 'eidolon' meaning 'image' or 'idol'.

'anti-idolizing' is formed in modern English by attaching the prefix 'anti-' to the verb 'idolize' (English, from Late Latin/Medieval Latin/Old French developments of Greek 'eidolon'). 'Idolize' entered English via French and Latin influences and later took English verbal suffixes, giving rise to forms such as 'idolize' and then compounds like 'anti-idolize' and the -ing form 'anti-idolizing'.

Initially related to being 'against images' or 'against idols' (in religious or literal senses), the term's usage shifted to mean being 'against the act of excessive admiration or hero-worship' in social and cultural contexts.