'antiseptic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antiseptikos,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'septikos' meant 'putrefying.'

'antiseptikos' transformed into the French word 'antiseptique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antiseptic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'against putrefaction,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'preventing the growth of microorganisms.'