'baalism' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'baʿal' (בַּעַל), where 'baʿal' meant 'lord' or 'owner'.

'baalism' was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ism' to the proper name 'Baal', a form borrowed into Greek and Latin from Hebrew; the noun came into use to denote the practices or cult of Baal.

Initially, the root 'baʿal' referred to 'lord' or 'owner' (and by extension to the Canaanite deity 'Baal'); over time the English formation 'baalism' came to mean specifically 'the worship or religious practices associated with Baal' and, more generally, 'idolatrous worship'.