antiriot
|an-ti-ri-ot|
/ˌæn.tiˈraɪ.ət/
against/controlling riots
Etymology
'antiriot' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') combined with the noun 'riot' (from Old French 'riote', meaning 'uproar' or 'quarrel').
'riot' came into English from Old French 'riote' via Middle English 'riote'; the productive prefix 'anti-' (from Greek ἀντί) has been used in English compounds since modern times to mean 'against' or 'opposed to', and the compound 'anti‑riot' (sometimes written 'anti‑riot' or 'antiriot') developed to describe opposition to or means of suppressing riots.
The compound initially (and straightforwardly) meant 'against riot' or 'opposed to riot', and over time it has come to be used specifically for units, equipment, or measures intended to prevent or suppress riots.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a unit of police or security forces trained and equipped to suppress or control riots (often called an antiriot unit or riot squad).
The city deployed antiriot units to the downtown area after the protests escalated.
Synonyms
Noun 2
equipment or gear designed for use in controlling or dispersing riots (e.g., shields, helmets, water cannons).
The department bought new antiriot gear for its frontline officers.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
designed, intended, or used to prevent, control, or suppress riots.
They implemented antiriot measures around the stadium before the match.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/09 05:26