'antidote' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antidōton' (ἀντίδοτον), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'didōmi' (via a participle) meant 'to give'.

'antidōton' passed into Late Latin as 'antidotum' and Medieval Latin 'antidotus', then into Old French and Middle English as 'antidote', eventually becoming modern English 'antidote'.

Initially it meant 'that which is given against (a poison)', and over time it broadened to mean any remedy or means that counteracts a harmful influence (including figurative uses).