antidote

[ an-ti-doht ]

noun

1. a medicine or other remedy for counteracting the effects of poison, disease, etc.
2. something that prevents or counteracts injurious or unwanted effects:

   Good jobs are the best antidote to teenage crime.

verb (used with object)

, an·ti·dot·ed, an·ti·dot·ing.

1. to counteract with an antidote:

   Medication was given to antidote the poison the child had swallowed.

antidote

/ ˈæntɪˌdəʊt /

noun

1. med a drug or agent that counteracts or neutralizes the effects of a poison
2. anything that counteracts or relieves a harmful or unwanted condition; remedy

antidote

/ ăn′tĭ-dōt′ /

1. A substance that counteracts the effects of a poison.

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈdotal, adjective

Other Words From

• anti·dotal an·ti·dot·i·cal [an-ti-, dot, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• anti·dotal·ly anti·doti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antidote¹

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin antidotum < Greek antídoton something given against (i.e., for counteracting), equivalent to anti- anti- + dotón neuter of dotós given, verbid of didónai to give; akin to datum

Word History and Origins

Origin of antidote¹

C15: from Latin antidotum, from Greek antidoton something given as a countermeasure, from anti- + didonai to give

Example Sentences

The little-known former Long Beach police chief came out of retirement to run for sheriff two years ago, positioning himself as the calm antidote to what he once described as the “dysfunction and chaos” of his predecessor, Alex Villanueva.

From Los Angeles Times

Garvey painted himself as an antidote to what he called California’s failed liberal leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

He is, according to the rambling narratives at his campaign stops, the antidote and protector of the working class.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not only is action the antidote to anxiety and despair, it really is truly making a difference.”

From Los Angeles Times

One night after the city’s spectacular baseball triumph and with a fraught election day looming, Gilmour’s songs and presence proved a perfect antidote to the external, a welcome humanity shining through every note.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corrective
• countermeasure
• cure
• remedy