'antiparliamentarist' originates from a combination of Greek and Old French/English elements: the Greek prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí') meaning 'against', together with 'parliament', which ultimately comes from Old French 'parlement' meaning 'speech' or 'discussion'.

'antiparliamentarist' developed in English by combining 'anti-' with forms such as 'parliamentary' or 'parliamentarian'. It is related to terms like 'anti-parliamentary' and 'antiparliamentarian' that appeared in political discourse in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the modern form 'antiparliamentarist' developed as a noun denoting a person holding that position.

Initially it denoted opposition to the institution or idea of parliament; over time it has remained broadly consistent, referring to persons or positions opposed to parliamentary government or parliamentary principles.