anti-sub
|an-ti-sub|
/ˈæn.tiˌsʌb/
against submarines
Etymology
'anti-sub' originates from combining the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' with 'sub', short for 'submarine'; 'submarine' ultimately comes from Latin 'sub' meaning 'under' and 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea'.
'anti-sub' developed in 20th-century military English as a shortened form of 'anti-submarine.' The full word 'submarine' entered English via Latin and Old French ('submarinus' / 'submarin'), and 'anti-' derives from Greek 'anti'.
Initially it simply meant 'against submarines'; over time it evolved into a concise label used as an adjective or noun for weapons, vessels, aircraft, or operations designed to counter submarines.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a weapon, ship, aircraft, or operation intended to attack or defend against submarines; short for 'anti-submarine.'
Several anti-subs were deployed to protect the convoy.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to measures, weapons, vessels, or tactics intended to counter submarines; short for 'anti-submarine.'
The navy adopted new anti-sub tactics.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/24 18:07