'anti-magic' is a compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'magic'. The prefix 'anti-' originates from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against', and 'magic' comes from Greek 'mageia' via Latin and Old French.

'magic' entered English from Middle English 'magik', from Old French 'magie', ultimately from Greek 'mageia'. The prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti-' (via Latin and later English usage). The compound 'anti-magic' is a modern English formation (20th century and later) combining these elements to mean resistance to or neutralization of magic.

Originally, 'magic' referred to practices of the magi and supernatural arts; with the addition of 'anti-' the compound has meant 'against or neutralizing magic' since its formation and has retained that basic sense in modern usage.