'antiestablishment' originates from two elements: the prefix 'anti-' from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against' and the English noun 'establishment', itself derived from the verb 'establish'.

'antiestablishment' developed in modern English by combining 'anti-' + 'establishment'; 'establishment' comes via Middle English from Old French establir/establir and ultimately Latin 'stabilire'/'stabilis' (stable). The hyphenated form 'anti-establishment' was common before the solid form became regular.

Initially used to describe opposition to the political 'establishment' (mid-20th century), the term has broadened to cover opposition to mainstream cultural, social, and institutional norms as well.