Antidote

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈæn.tÉ™.dot/

Origin

From Latin antidotum, from Ancient Greek ἀντίδοτον, neuter of ἀντίδοτος (antidotos, "given as a remedy for"), from ἀντιδίδωμι (antididōmi, "I give in return, repay"), from ἀντί (anti, "against") + δίδωμι (didōmi, "I give"). Compare French antidote.

Noun

1. A remedy to counteract the effects of poison (often followed by "against," "for," or "to").She reached the hospital in time to receive the antidote for the snake venom.
2. Something that counteracts or prevents something harmful.We need an antidote for this misinformation.

Related terms

Full definition of antidote

Verb

1. (transitive) To counteract as an antidote.
• 2007, Suzanne C. Lawton, Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, Asperger syndrome: natural steps toward a better life (page 143)For his part, the patient must avoid some commonplace substances in order to avoid antidoting or stopping the action of the homeopathic remedy...