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Words that start with the prefix anti-

This list is for students studying prefixes and word roots who want to see how anti- shapes meaning across science, medicine, and everyday language. Use it to practice predicting meanings from the prefix, build vocabulary for science and health topics, and connect related words to one another.

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Words that start with the prefix anti-

28 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
antibioticnounA medicine used to treat infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.The doctor prescribed antibiotics to clear up the ear infection.
antibodynounA protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize harmful invaders such as bacteria or viruses.After the infection cleared, her blood still contained antibodies that could fight the virus.
anticipateverbTo expect something and prepare for it, or to look forward to it with excitement.Organizers anticipated a large crowd and hired extra staff for the festival.
antidotenounA substance that counteracts a particular poison, or something that relieves an unpleasant situation.Paramedics administered the antidote quickly after the child swallowed the chemical.
antifreezenounA liquid added to a vehicle's cooling system to lower its freezing point and prevent engine damage.He checked the antifreeze level before the first frost of winter arrived.
antiheronounA central character in a story who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as courage or morality.The gritty detective is an antihero who bends the law to get results.
antioxidantnounA substance that protects cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.Blueberries are often praised for their high level of antioxidants.
antiperspirantnounA personal care product applied to the skin to reduce sweating, usually under the arms.He applies antiperspirant every morning before getting dressed for work.
antisepticadjectivePreventing infection by destroying or inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin or a wound.The nurse cleaned the cut with an antiseptic solution before applying the bandage.
antisocialadjectiveUnwilling or unable to interact with other people, or harmful to the order of society.He felt too antisocial after a long week to attend the office party.
antithesisnounThe exact opposite of something, especially when the contrast is deliberate or striking.Her calm, orderly office is the antithesis of her chaotic home workspace.
antitrustadjectiveRelating to laws that prevent unfair business monopolies and promote competition in the marketplace.Regulators launched an antitrust investigation into the tech company's dominant market position.
antivirusnounSoftware designed to detect, block, and remove malicious programs from a computer.She installed antivirus software after her laptop started running unusually slowly.
antiwaradjectiveOpposed to a specific war, or to war and military conflict in general.Thousands of students joined the antiwar protest outside the government building.
antibacterialadjectiveAble to destroy or slow the growth of bacteria.She wiped the kitchen counter with an antibacterial spray after cutting raw chicken.
antiagingadjectiveDesigned to slow down or reduce the visible signs of growing older, especially on the skin.The company markets an expensive antiaging cream that promises to reduce fine lines.
antimatternounMatter composed of particles that are the exact opposite of ordinary matter's particles in electric charge.Physicists produce tiny amounts of antimatter in particle accelerators to study its properties.
antiterrorismadjectiveRelating to actions, laws, or policies designed to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks.The government passed new antiterrorism legislation after the attack on the capital.
antidepressantnounA medicine prescribed to relieve or prevent the symptoms of depression.Her doctor prescribed an antidepressant along with weekly therapy sessions.
antipathynounA strong feeling of dislike or opposition toward someone or something.His antipathy toward modern art was obvious from the way he avoided the gallery.
antigennounA substance that the body recognizes as foreign and that triggers an immune response.The rapid test detects a viral antigen in a sample from the nose.
antinuclearadjectiveOpposed to nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants, or nuclear testing.Thousands joined the antinuclear march to protest the construction of a new power plant.
antiglareadjectiveDesigned to reduce or eliminate reflected light that makes a screen or surface hard to see.He bought an antiglare screen protector to use his laptop comfortably outdoors.
antifungaladjectiveAble to destroy or stop the growth of fungi, such as those causing skin or nail infections.The pharmacist recommended an antifungal cream for the itchy rash on his foot.
antifraudadjectiveIntended to detect, prevent, or punish dishonest schemes to obtain money illegally.The bank installed new antifraud software to flag suspicious credit card transactions instantly.
antihistaminenounA drug that relieves allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.She took an antihistamine before the trip to control her seasonal pollen allergy.
antigravityadjectiveCounteracting or appearing to counteract the normal pull of gravity.The science fiction film featured cars that used antigravity technology to float above the road.
antipodenounThe exact opposite of something, or a point on the globe diametrically opposite a given place.Quiet contemplation is the antipode of the chaos the family experienced during the move.

What does the prefix anti- mean?

The prefix anti- means against, opposing, or preventing, so an antibiotic works against bacteria and an antidote works against a poison's effects. Words like antiwar and antisocial describe opposition to an idea or behavior, while antifreeze and antiglare describe substances that prevent a specific problem. Spotting anti- makes it easier to guess a new word's general meaning.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix anti- mean?

Anti- means against, opposing, or preventing, as seen in words like antibiotic, antidote, and antifreeze.

What are some common words with the prefix anti-?

Common examples include antibody, antiseptic, antivirus, and antioxidant, each describing something that works against a specific problem.