'anti-papist' originates from Modern English, formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'papist'. The prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti' where 'anti-' meant 'against', and 'papist' derives ultimately from Latin/Greek 'papa' (via Medieval Latin/French) where 'papa' meant 'pope' or 'father'.

'anti-papist' arose as a compound in Early Modern English (16th–17th centuries), combining 'anti-' + 'papist' (earlier written as 'antipapist' or 'anti-papist') to denote opposition to papists; the hyphenated modern form is the current standard.

Initially, it meant 'against papists (supporters of the pope)' in religious and political contexts; over time the core meaning has remained stable, denoting opposition to the papacy or Roman Catholic influence.