'antianthropomorphism' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek/Latin via French, meaning 'against') + 'anthropomorphism' (from Greek 'ánthrōpos' meaning 'human' and 'morphē' meaning 'form').

'anthropomorphism' entered English via Late Latin 'anthropomorphismus' and Greek 'anthrōpomorphía'; the compound 'anti-' was later attached in Modern English to create 'antianthropomorphism' meaning opposition to that concept.

Initially, 'anthropomorphism' referred to attributing human form or qualities to nonhumans; over time the prefixed form 'antianthropomorphism' has been used to denote opposition to or rejection of that attribution.