'antihierarchic' originates from Greek and New Latin elements: the prefix 'anti-' originates from Greek 'antí' meaning 'against', and 'hierarchic' derives from Greek 'hierarkhia' meaning 'rule of priests' (from 'hier-' = 'sacred' and 'arkhia/arkhos' = 'rule').

'antihierarchic' is a modern compound formed by prefixing 'anti-' to 'hierarchic' (itself from Medieval Latin/Modern French adaptations of Greek 'hierarchia'), creating the adjective used in English to express opposition to hierarchy.

Originally the components referred to 'against' + 'rule (often sacred rule)'; over time this compound has been used to mean more broadly 'against hierarchical organization' or 'opposed to ranked authority' in social and organizational contexts.