anti-spread
|an-ti-spread|
/ˌæn.tiˈsprɛd/
against spreading
Etymology
'anti-spread' originates from a combination of the Greek prefix 'anti-' and the English verb 'spread'. Specifically, 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meant 'against', and 'spread' derives from Old English 'spreadan' meaning 'to stretch out'.
'spread' changed from Old English 'spreadan' to Middle English forms such as 'spreden' and eventually became the modern English word 'spread'. The prefix 'anti-' was borrowed into English via Greek/Latin use in compounds, and the compound 'anti-spread' is a modern formation combining the two elements.
Initially 'spreadan' meant 'to stretch out' and 'anti-' meant 'against'; over time, the compound evolved into the modern sense of 'against spreading', used especially for measures that prevent or limit spread.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a measure, policy, or device whose purpose is to prevent spreading (often used in contexts like public health or fire control).
The council approved several anti-spreads to be rolled out in high-risk neighborhoods.
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Adjective 1
intended to prevent or resist the spreading of something (e.g., disease, fire, misinformation).
City officials introduced anti-spread protocols to limit transmission during the outbreak.
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Last updated: 2025/11/24 00:21