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. )

Explanation

An antiviral medication is one used to treat a patient with a serious case of a virus like the flu or Ebola. To be prescribed an antiviral drug, a patient has to be pretty sick. If you get a mild case of the flu you don't need this kind of medication, but someone who's so ill they end up in the hospital may be given antivirals. Just like the word implies, antivirals attack certain viruses; they do this by boosting the immune system or blocking receptors so the virus can't attach to healthy cells.

Example Sentences

Jane stressed "time is of the essence", as antiviral treatment within 48 hours can reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Ingber's group focuses on antiviral innovation using AI-driven and multiomics approaches alongside microfluidic human Organ Chip systems.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

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

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

From Star Surgeon by Nourse, Alan Edward