Definition of antidote

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< antidiuretic hormone

antidumping >

an·ti·dote    (nt-dt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A remedy or other agent used to neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison.
2. An agent that relieves or counteracts: jogging as an antidote to nervous tension.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
an·ti·dot·ed, an·ti·dot·ing, an·ti·dotes

To relieve or counteract with an antidote: "Hallie's family life is laced with the poison of self-hatred, a poison that Sam has antidoted with love and understanding" (Christopher Swan).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Latin antidotum, from Greek antidoton, from antididonai, antido-, to give as a remedy against : anti-, anti- + didonai, to give; see d- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
anti·dotal  (nt-dtl) KEY (Adjective), anti·dotal·ly(Adverb)
Usage Note:
Antidote may be followed by to, for, or against: an antidote to boredom; an antidote for snakebite; an antidote against inflation.