'antisaloon' originates from the combining form 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') and the English word 'saloon' (from French 'salon', from Italian 'salone', meaning 'large room' or 'hall').

'saloon' entered English from French 'salon' (Italian 'salone') meaning a large reception room; in the late 19th century, English formed the compound 'anti-' + 'saloon' (often written 'anti-saloon') during temperance and prohibition campaigns (e.g., the Anti-Saloon League). This compound became used as both a noun and an adjective.

Initially, the elements meant 'against' + 'a public drinking room'; over time the compound came to denote not only opposition to specific saloon establishments but broadly opposition to the sale and public consumption of alcoholic beverages (i.e., the temperance/prohibition stance).