antidote in English
- antidote⇄antidote, noun.
1. a medicine that counteracts the harmful effect of a poison; remedy.
Ex. Milk is an antidote for some poisons.
2. (Figurative.) a remedy for any evil; counteracting agent.
Ex. Education is an antidote for ignoran
antidote in Nepali नेपाली
antidote in Sindhi سنڌي
antidote in Tamil தமிழ்
Antidote
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈæntɪdəʊt/
Definitions
- 1. (Noun) A substance or remedy used to counteract the effects of a poison or harmful substance.
- 2. (Noun) A solution or remedy for a problem or difficult situation, often used metaphorically.
Usage Examples
- "The doctor administered the antidote to counteract the snake venom."
- "Her kind words were the antidote to the tense atmosphere in the room."
Etymology
The word "antidote" comes from the Greek word "antidoton," which means "given against." It is formed from "anti-" meaning "against" and "dote," meaning "to give" or "gift." The term has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to medicinal remedies for poisons.
Synonyms
- Remedy
- Countermeasure
- Cure
- Neutralizer
Antonyms
- Poison
- Toxin
- Venom
- Curse
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Antídoto | /anˈtiðo̪to/ |
| French | Antidote | /ɑ̃.ti.dɔt/ |
| German | Antidot | /ˈantɪˌdɔt/ |
| Chinese | 解毒药 | /jiě dú yào/ |
| Hindi | प्रतिजहर | /prati-jahar/ |
| Arabic | ترياق | /tiryāq/ |
| Russian | Антидот | /ˈantɪˌdɔt/ |
| Japanese | 解毒剤 | /kaidokuzai/ |
| Italian | Antidoto | /anˈtidoːto/ |
| Portuguese | Antídoto | /ãˈtʃidutu/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
While the word "antidote" generally follows the same pronunciation across English dialects, variations may exist in accents. For example, some regional accents may pronounce the "o" in "antidote" as a short vowel sound, while others may use a longer sound.
Historical Usage
Historically, "antidote" referred primarily to substances used to counteract poisons. The concept of antidotes has been central in medicine for centuries, with references to antidotal remedies dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. Over time, the term expanded to include metaphorical uses, such as solutions to societal problems or personal conflicts.
Cultural Nuances
In modern usage, the word "antidote" is often applied metaphorically to refer to something that counteracts or remedies undesirable situations, feelings, or conditions. It can also refer to something that provides relief or balance in stressful environments, social dynamics, or even politics.
More Information
Antidotes are crucial in medical practice, particularly for the treatment of poisoning, venomous bites, and overdoses. Common antidotes include activated charcoal, naloxone (for opioid overdose), and antivenoms. In addition to their medical importance, antidotes also hold significance in various cultural and philosophical discussions, where they symbolize the restoration of balance and the overcoming of negative forces.