'antiorthodox' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'anti-' (Greek 'antí') meaning 'against' and 'orthodox' from Greek 'orthodoxos', where 'orthos' meant 'correct' and 'doxa' meant 'opinion'.

'orthodox' came into English via Late Latin and Old French from Greek 'orthodoxos'; the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek/Latin use) has been used in English to form compounds, and 'antiorthodox' was formed in English by combining 'anti-' + 'orthodox'.

Initially formed from elements meaning 'against correct opinion', the term has been used to describe positions or people opposing established or traditional doctrines; this core idea remains in modern usage.