'ataraxic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ataraxia', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'tarachos' meant 'disturbance' (no disturbance).

'ataraxic' changed from the Greek word 'ataraxia' (borrowed into Latin and New Latin as 'ataraxia') and was later formed in English as the adjective 'ataraxic' derived from the noun.

Initially, it referred to the philosophical state of 'absence of disturbance' (especially in Hellenistic philosophy); over time it came to be used more generally as 'calm' or 'free from emotional disturbance.'