'antiphilosophism' originates from Greek elements: the prefix 'anti-' (from ἀντί) meaning 'against', combined with 'philosophy' (from Greek 'philosophia', meaning 'love of wisdom'), and the suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin '-ismos'/'-ismus') marking doctrines or movements.

'antiphilosophism' was formed in English by compounding 'anti-' with 'philosophism' or 'philosophy' + '-ism' in modern usage (late 19th to 20th century) to label opposition to philosophical movements or methods.

Initially used to denote explicit opposition to particular philosophical schools or speculative philosophy; over time it has broadened to describe general hostility or skepticism toward philosophical inquiry or academic philosophy.