anti-gambling
|an-ti-gam-bling|
/ˌæntiˈɡæmblɪŋ/
against gambling
Etymology
'anti-gambling' originates from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun/gerund 'gambling'. 'anti-' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anti' (Greek 'ἀντί'), where 'anti-' meant 'against'. 'gambling' comes from the verb 'gamble' (with the gerund suffix '-ing'), where 'gamble' meant 'to play or take risky chances'.
'anti-' has been used as a productive prefix in English since the 17th–18th centuries to form compounds meaning 'against'. 'gamble' changed from Middle English influences (related to words like 'gambol' and older forms meaning 'play') and developed the meaning 'to stake or risk money on an event', eventually forming the modern gerund 'gambling'; combined, they produced the compound 'anti-gambling' to denote opposition to wagering.
Initially, components referred broadly to 'against play' (anti- + game/play); over time the compound evolved to refer specifically to opposition to wagering, betting, and the commercial gambling industry rather than general play.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to gambling; a movement, policy, sentiment, or campaign that seeks to reduce, prohibit, or regulate gambling activities.
There is growing anti-gambling in the region after a series of high-profile scandals.
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Adjective 1
opposed to gambling; expressing or supporting measures, policies, or attitudes against wagering, betting, or casino activities.
The council introduced anti-gambling measures to restrict betting shops in the neighborhood.
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Last updated: 2025/10/29 22:42