'antiabrin' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- meaning 'against') combined with 'abrin' (the name of the toxin isolated from the plant Abrus precatorius).

'Abrin' was coined in scientific usage as the protein toxin name derived from the plant genus name 'Abrus' with the protein-forming suffix '-in'; 'antiabrin' was later created by prefixing 'anti-' to indicate substances acting against abrin (e.g., antibodies or antiserum).

Originally a formation indicating 'against abrin' in a literal sense, it has come to be used specifically for antibodies, antisera, or preparations that neutralize the toxin abrin.