'anthophobia' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'anthos' meaning 'flower' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'.

'anthophobia' is a modern English formation (medical/psychological coinage) created from Greek roots; it did not pass through a distinct Old or Middle English form but was formed in Modern English usage from the Greek elements.

Initially, it referred specifically to an aversion or fear related to flowers and has retained that meaning in modern usage.