'antioxidative' originates from Modern English, formed by combining the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') with 'oxidative' (from 'oxidation').

'oxidation' comes via French 'oxydation' from Neo-Latin/Latin roots derived ultimately from Greek 'oxys' ('sharp, acid') combined with a word-forming element meaning 'producing'. The adjective 'oxidative' arose from 'oxidation', and in modern English the adjective 'antioxidative' was formed by adding 'anti-' to 'oxidative'.

Initially the components meant 'against' + 'relating to oxidation'; over time the combined term has been used specifically to describe substances or actions that prevent or inhibit oxidation (i.e., have antioxidant effects), which remains the current meaning.