'de-europenization' originates from modern English, formed by the prefix 'de-' (ultimately from Latin 'de-' meaning 'removal' or 'reversal'), the adjective 'European' (from 'Europe', via Latin/Greek roots referring to the continent), and the suffix '-ization' (from French/Latin/Gk via English meaning 'the process or result of making').

'de-europenization' is a recent coinage created by analogy with established formations such as 'Europeanization' (from 'Europe' + '-ization') and reversal prefixes like 'de-' as in 'decolonization'; those source elements entered English via Latin, French, and Greek at different periods.

Initially the parts 'de-' (reversal), 'European' (of Europe), and '-ization' (process) had their separate morphological senses; combined as a modern coinage the term has come to denote specifically the policy or process of removing European influence.