'antirust' originates from Greek and Old English, specifically the prefix 'anti-' from Greek 'antí' where 'anti-' meant 'against', and the English word 'rust' from Old English 'rūst' where 'rūst' meant 'rust (redness)'.

'antirust' was formed in modern English by combining the classical prefix 'anti-' with the noun 'rust' (from Old English 'rūst'); the compound came into use as industrial methods and protective coatings developed in the 19th–20th centuries.

Initially the components literally meant 'against' + 'rust'; over time the compound came to be used specifically for coatings, treatments, or products that prevent rust or corrosion.