'antiprelatist' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'prelatist', which ultimately derives from 'prelate' (Latin 'praelatus').

'prelate' comes from Latin 'praelatus' (past participle of 'praeferre', to prefer or place before), passed into Old French as 'prelat' and into Middle English as 'prelate'. The English formation 'prelatist' (one concerned with or supporting prelacy) and the combining prefix 'anti-' produced 'antiprelatist' in English usage.

Initially formed simply to denote opposition to 'prelates' or 'prelacy'; the word's meaning has remained consistent as 'one opposed to prelacy' through its usage.