'de-argentinize' originates from English by combining the prefix 'de-' (from Latin 'de-' meaning 'away' or 'reversal') with 'Argentinize,' itself formed from the place name 'Argentina' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. 'Argentina' was borrowed from Spanish 'Argentina', ultimately from Latin 'argentum' meaning 'silver'.

'de-argentinize' was formed in modern English by prefixing 'de-' to 'Argentinize.' 'Argentinize' developed from the place name 'Argentina' (borrowed from Spanish 'Argentina'), which traces back to Latin 'argentum' meaning 'silver', and then took the English suffix '-ize' to form a verb meaning 'to make Argentine.'

Initially, 'Argentina' referred to the land associated with silver and 'Argentinize' meant 'to make or render Argentine.' Over time, the prefixed form 'de-argentinize' came to mean 'to remove Argentine qualities or influence' rather than anything to do with silver.