'antigun' originates from Modern English, formed by combining the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- via Latin/French, meaning 'against') with the noun 'gun' (Modern English 'gun').

'anti-' came into English through Latin and French from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'; 'gun' comes from Middle English 'gunne' (14th century) whose ultimate origin is uncertain but likely from a Scandinavian feminine name (e.g. 'Gunnhildr') or other medieval sources; the compound 'anti-' + 'gun' is a straightforward modern English formation.

Initially, the elements meant 'against' + 'gun'; the compound has kept that literal meaning and is used to describe opposition to guns or support for gun restrictions.