'parasympatholytic' originates from Greek combining elements via New Latin/Modern formation: 'para-' (Greek) + 'sympatho-' (from Greek 'symphatheia' related to 'sympathetic') + '-lytic' (from Greek 'lysis'), where 'para-' meant 'beside/against', 'sympatho-' related to the 'sympathetic/parasympathetic' concept, and '-lytic' meant 'loosening, breaking down'.

'parasympatholytic' was formed in modern medical/Scientific English from Greek elements (through New Latin/modern coinage) in the late 19th to early 20th century as pharmacology differentiated agents that block parasympathetic action; it entered clinical terminology and literature in this form.

Initially coined to denote the idea of 'dissolving or neutralizing parasympathetic action', it has come to be used specifically for drugs or actions that 'inhibit or block the parasympathetic nervous system' (i.e., anticholinergic/antimuscarinic effects).