'noncathartic' originates from English, specifically from the prefix 'non-' and the adjective 'cathartic', where 'non-' meant 'not' and 'cathartic' ultimately comes from Greek 'kathartikos' meaning 'purging'.

'cathartic' comes from Greek 'kathartikos' via Latin 'catharticus' and Middle English 'cathartic'; in modern English the negative prefix 'non-' was attached to form 'noncathartic' to indicate the absence of cathartic effect.

Initially, 'cathartic' meant 'causing physical purging'; over time it also acquired the sense of 'emotional purification' (catharsis). 'Noncathartic' therefore came to mean 'not producing either the physical purging or the emotional catharsis'.