'antiforeignism' originates from a modern English compound: the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'), plus 'foreign' (Old English/Old French origin meaning 'outside' or 'from another place'), plus the suffix '-ism' (via Latin/Greek '-ismus' indicating a practice, system, or doctrine).

'foreign' comes through Old French 'forain' (from Latin 'foraneus') and Old English forms (related to 'fyrn'/'foren'), while 'anti-' is from Greek 'anti-'. The modern English compound 'antiforeignism' formed by joining these elements to express 'opposition to foreigners'.

Initially the components meant 'against' (anti-), 'from outside' (foreign), and a doctrine or practice (-ism). Over time the compounded form came to mean specifically 'opposition to or hostility toward foreigners,' a usage that matches contemporary political and social contexts.