'medication-skeptical' is a compound of 'medication' and 'skeptical.' 'medication' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'medicatio,' where 'medic-' related to 'healing' or 'physician.' 'skeptical' originates from Greek via Latin and French, specifically the Greek 'skeptikos' meaning 'inquisitive, reflective.'

'medication' came into English from Latin 'medicatio' (through Late Latin/Old French usage) and developed into the modern English 'medication.' 'skeptical' came from Greek 'skeptikos' → Latin/Medieval Latin 'scepticus' → Old French/Late Latin influences → modern English 'skeptical.' The hyphenated compound 'medication-skeptical' is a modern English coinage combining these two words.

Individually, 'medication' originally referred to the act or process of healing or the preparation used for healing, and 'skeptical' originally meant 'inquiring' or 'doubtful.' Combined in modern usage, they specifically convey a doubtful attitude toward medicinal drugs.