'antimachination' originates from a combination of Greek and Latin elements: the Greek prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') and the Latin-derived word 'machination' (from Latin 'machinatio', from 'machina', meaning 'device' or 'contrivance').

'machination' entered English via Latin 'machinatio' (and Old French influence) where it referred to a contrivance or device and later came to mean a plot or intrigue; the modern English compound 'antimachination' is formed by prefixing 'anti-' to 'machination' to indicate opposition to such plots.

Initially, 'machination' referred to a mechanical device or contrivance but over time shifted to mean a secret plot or intrigue; 'antimachination' therefore came to mean opposition to those plots or measures to prevent them.