'anti-pacifist' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- meaning 'against', via Latin/Old French) combined with 'pacifist', which originates from French 'pacifiste', ultimately related to Latin 'pax' meaning 'peace' and Latin elements involved in 'pacific'/'pacify' meaning 'to make peaceful'.

'pacifist' entered English from French 'pacifiste' in the late 19th century; the compound with the prefix 'anti-' (forming 'anti-pacifist') emerged in English usage in the 20th century to denote opposition to pacifism.

Initially, 'pacifist' referred to someone who promotes peace and opposes war; 'anti-pacifist' thus originally meant 'against pacifism.' Over time the basic sense has remained stable, denoting opposition to pacifist principles or support for the use of force when deemed necessary.