antiweed
|an-ti-weed|
/ˈæntiˌwiːd/
against weeds
Etymology
'antiweed' originates from modern English as a compound of the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') and the noun 'weed' (Old English 'weod'), literally meaning 'against weeds'.
'anti-' entered English via Latin and French from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against'; 'weed' comes from Old English 'weod' (plant, herb) and became Middle English 'weed' before modern usage. The compound 'antiweed' is a recent, transparent English coinage formed by combining the two elements.
Initially the components meant 'against' and 'plant/herb'; the compound's meaning has stayed literal (i.e., 'against weeds') and has been applied to products, materials, and occasionally attitudes toward cannabis.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a product or chemical used to kill or prevent the growth of unwanted plants (a weedkiller or herbicide).
I bought an antiweed to treat the lawn before spring.
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Noun 2
a physical material designed to suppress weed growth, such as landscape fabric or weed mat.
Lay antiweed under the mulch to reduce weed growth.
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Adjective 1
opposed to cannabis or marijuana (informal, describing an attitude or position).
He took an antiweed stance during the city council debate.
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Adjective 2
intended to prevent or remove weeds (describing a product or treatment).
Apply an antiweed treatment before planting vegetables.
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Last updated: 2025/09/12 10:40