'anti-prelatism' originates from Greek and Latin elements: specifically the Greek prefix 'anti' (from Greek 'ἀντί') meaning 'against', and the Latin word 'praelatus' (past participle of 'praeferre') from which 'prelate' is derived; the English suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin via Old French) denotes 'doctrine' or 'system'.

'prelate' came into English via Old French 'prelat' from Latin 'praelatus'; the compound/derivative 'prelacy' and related forms developed in Middle English and Early Modern English, and modern coinages such as 'anti-prelatism' formed by adding the prefix 'anti-' and suffix '-ism' to express opposition to prelacy.

Initially used to denote opposition to 'prelates' or episcopal authority specifically, the term's meaning has remained stable: it denotes hostility to or rejection of prelates' authority and the system of prelacy.