'asexualise' originates from Neo-Latin/English formation combining the prefix 'a-' (from Greek, meaning 'not' or 'without') and 'sexualise' (from 'sexual' + '-ise'), where 'sexual' ultimately comes from Latin 'sexus' meaning 'sex'.

'sexual' entered English via Latin 'sexualis' (from 'sexus') and French 'sexuel'; the verb 'sexualize/sexualise' was later formed in English by adding the verbalizing suffix '-ize/-ise'. 'asexualise' developed by prefixing 'a-' to the verb 'sexualise'.

Initially components conveyed 'without sex' (a- + sexual), and over time the verb came to mean 'to make without sexual characteristics' or 'to convert to asexual reproduction'; the core idea of 'negating sexual attributes' has been preserved.