'antirabic' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- meaning 'against') combined with 'rabic', ultimately from Latin 'rabies' meaning 'madness' or 'rage'.

'antirabic' entered English in the mid-19th century via French 'antirabique' used in medical contexts; the French form combined anti- + rabique (from Latin 'rabies').

Initially it meant 'acting against rabies' (especially referring to serums or preventive measures); this core meaning has largely been retained, though modern usage more often uses terms like 'rabies vaccine' or 'antirabies'.