'antifertility' originates from a combination of the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí', meaning 'against') and the noun 'fertility' (from Latin 'fertilis', meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile').

'fertility' entered English via Old French 'fertilité' from Latin 'fertilis'; the productive prefix 'anti-' (Greek/Latin origin) was combined with 'fertility' in modern English use (primarily from the 20th century) to form the compound 'antifertility'.

Initially the components meant 'against' + 'fruitfulness'; over time the compound came to be used specifically for actions, agents, or properties that prevent conception or reduce fertility.