'antiliturgic' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' and 'liturgic' ultimately from Greek 'leitourgia' meaning 'public service' or 'liturgy'.

'leitourgia' (Greek) passed into Latin as 'liturgia', then into Old French and Middle English as 'liturgy'. The adjective 'liturgic' developed from these forms, and the prefix 'anti-' was later attached to form 'antiliturgic'.

Initially the roots referred to 'public service' or 'work for the people'; over time, combining 'anti-' with 'liturgic' produced the meaning 'against liturgy' or 'opposed to liturgical practice'.