'antipole' originates from Greek elements: 'anti-' (from Ancient Greek ἀντί, anti-) meaning 'against, opposite' and 'pole' (from Greek πόλος, polos) meaning 'axis, pivot'.

'antipole' is a modern English compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'pole', modeled on related formations such as 'dipole' and influenced by words like 'antipode'; it entered English usage through technical/compound formation rather than via a single older inherited word.

Initially and throughout its usage it has meant 'an opposite pole or point'; this core sense has been retained in modern usage.