'antiecclesiasticism' originates from Greek and Latin elements: the Greek word 'ekklesia' meaning 'assembly, church', the prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against', and the suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin/French) denoting a doctrine or practice.

'ekklesia' (Greek) became 'ecclesia' in Latin, then 'ecclesiasticus' (Late Latin) and 'ecclesiastic' in Middle English; English later formed 'antiecclesiasticism' by adding the prefix 'anti-' and the suffix '-ism' to express opposition to ecclesiastical authority.

Initially it referred specifically to opposition to church authority or clerical power; over time it has retained that central sense and is used to describe doctrines, movements, or attitudes opposed to ecclesiastical influence.