'antischolasticism' originates from Greek and Latin-derived elements: the prefix 'anti-' from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', combined with 'scholasticism' ultimately from Greek 'scholastikos' (via Latin 'scholasticus') meaning 'of the school'.

'scholasticism' comes from Greek 'scholastikos' → Latin 'scholasticus' → Medieval Latin/Old French forms and entered English as 'scholastic' and 'scholasticism'; 'antischolasticism' developed as a compound in English to denote opposition to that movement and usage, becoming the modern English term 'antischolasticism'.

Initially it referred specifically to opposition to medieval school-based theological and philosophical methods; over time it has been used more broadly for criticism or rejection of scholastic methods or doctrines in various contexts.