antiviral

American  

[an-tahy-vahy-ruhl, an-tee-] / ˌæn taɪˈvaɪ rəl, ˌæn ti- /

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology.

   1. (of a drug or therapy) developed to effectively treat an infection caused by a virus.

   2. of or relating to a substance used to prevent or treat a viral infection.

      Raw garlic has been found to have antiviral properties.

2. Computers. (of software) programmed to detect, neutralize, and remove computer viruses.

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noun

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology. an antiviral drug, other substance, or therapy.

antiviral British  

/ ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. inhibiting the growth of viruses

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noun

1. any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

Etymology

Origin of antiviral

First recorded in 1925–30; anti- ( def. ) + viral ( def. )

Example Sentences

There is no specified treatment protocol or antiviral medication for HMPV.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

It also announced plans to buy Cidara Therapeutics, which is working on antiviral treatments, including a flu prophylactic in Phase 3, for $9.2 billion.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

These cells activate a wide range of antiviral defenses designed to limit the virus and stop it from spreading.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

If you’ve had a recent viral infection, some evidence suggests the antiviral interferon response stays active, making it easier for your body to mount a quick defense against the next virus, Foxman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

It proved resistant to every one of the antibiotics and antiviral agents in the Lancet's stockroom.

From Star Surgeon by Nourse, Alan Edward