'antiprinciple' originates from Greek and Latin components in modern English usage, specifically the prefix 'anti-' from Greek 'antí' (meaning 'against') combined with English 'principle', which ultimately derives from Latin 'principium'.

'antiprinciple' developed in modern English by compounding the Greek-derived prefix 'anti-' with the English word 'principle' (from Latin 'principium'); it has appeared both hyphenated ('anti-principle') and as a solid compound, with the solid form becoming more common in recent coinages.

Initially it simply signified 'against a principle' (a literal composition of 'anti-' + 'principle'), and this basic meaning has been retained, denoting opposition to or contradiction of a principle.