'misanthropic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'misanthrōpos' (μισάνθρωπος), where 'mis-' meant 'hatred' and 'anthrōpos' meant 'human, person'.

'misanthropic' developed in English from the noun 'misanthrope' (from French/Latin forms ultimately from Greek 'misanthrōpos') with the adjectival suffix '-ic' to form the modern adjective.

Initially it meant 'hating humans' or 'relating to hatred of mankind'; over time it has retained this core meaning but is also used more broadly to describe a gloomy or distrustful attitude toward people.