'antipedobaptism' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'pedobaptism' (from Greek 'pais/paidos' meaning 'child' + 'baptizein' meaning 'to baptize').

'antipedobaptism' developed as a compound of 'anti-' + 'paedobaptism' (older British spelling 'paedo-'/'paed-'), contrasting with 'paedobaptism' (the practice of infant baptism); the element 'paedo-/paed-' reflects Greek 'paidos' (child) and 'baptism' from 'baptizein'.

Initially coined to indicate opposition to the specific practice of infant baptism, its meaning has remained essentially the same: a stance or movement rejecting infant baptism in favor of believer's baptism.