'antidiaphoretic' originates from the combining form 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and the adjective 'diaphoretic', where 'diaphoretic' is derived from Late Latin/Greek 'diaphōresis' (from Greek 'diaphérein') meaning 'a carrying off' (specifically sweat).

'diaphoretic' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms based on Greek 'diaphorēsis' and the modern English adjective 'diaphoretic' developed; 'antidiaphoretic' was later formed in English by adding 'anti-' to that adjective to denote opposition to sweating.

Initially the elements signified 'against perspiration' in a literal medical sense, and over time the term has retained that specific meaning as a description of agents or effects that suppress sweating.