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Antiviral

UK //ˌæntiˈvaɪrəl// US //ˌæntiˈvaɪrəl// Pronunciation

Definition

A drug that prevents or treats viral infections.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A medicine that fights viruses.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed an antiviral to help with the flu.
• Researchers are developing new antiviral treatments for HIV.
• Antiviral therapies can significantly reduce the duration of illness.
• This antiviral works best when taken early in the infection.
• Many antivirals are available for different types of viral infections.

Usage notes

Use 'antiviral' primarily in medical or scientific contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

adjective + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'anti' as against and 'viral' as related to viruses, like a shield against them.

Collocations

• antiviral drug
• antiviral treatment
• antiviral therapy

Synonyms

• virus-fighting
• antiviral medication
• antiviral agent

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'antibiotic' which targets bacteria, not viruses.
• Using it incorrectly to describe vaccines.
• Mispronouncing as if it were an unrelated word.