'antitobacco' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and 'tobacco' (from Spanish 'tabaco', ultimately from Taino 'tabaco').

'antitobacco' developed as a compound (often written 'anti-tobacco') in the 20th century as public-health efforts opposing tobacco use became more common; 'tobacco' earlier entered English from Spanish 'tabaco' and related indigenous words.

Initially a literal combination meaning 'against tobacco'; over time it has come to denote organized movements, laws, campaigns, and programs aimed at reducing tobacco use.