antivirus
gb/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs/ us/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs/
B1
English
~ 6500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B1
entity
1
software that protects against viruses
A computer program that finds and stops viruses and other bad software.
Usage pattern:
install [antivirus] on [computer or phone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'antivirus' (the protective software) with 'virus' (the harmful program). Also, they may use 'antivirus' for medical topics, where 'antiviral' is the more common word.
Synonyms
security software (Broader term; includes antivirus plus other tools like firewalls and password managers.)
Antonyms
malware (Refers to the harmful software that antivirus is designed to detect and stop.)
Collocations
antivirus software
|antivirus program
|antivirus scan
|install antivirus
|update antivirus
|free antivirus
Themes
technology
|internet
|security
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Make sure you install reliable antivirus on any computer that connects to the internet.
- Her antivirus detected a trojan and removed it before it could cause damage.
- The company pays for enterprise antivirus to protect all employee laptops.
- If your antivirus is out of date, it may not stop new types of malware.
- He ran a full antivirus scan after opening a suspicious email attachment.
Learner examples
- I have antivirus on my laptop.
- This free antivirus is easy to use.
- Please update your antivirus every week.
- My antivirus found three viruses on my computer.
- You should run an antivirus scan if your computer is slow.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
2
agent that fights biological viruses
A substance or treatment that stops a virus from growing or working in the body.
Usage pattern:
develop an [antivirus] for [disease]
Common mistake:
Learners may assume 'antivirus' is the usual medical word, but specialists more often say 'antiviral' for medicines and treatments.
Synonyms
antiviral (More common modern medical term; often used as both noun and adjective in clinical contexts.)
Antonyms
virus (The harmful biological entity that an antivirus substance or treatment is designed to combat.)
Collocations
experimental antivirus
|broad-spectrum antivirus
|develop an antivirus
|antivirus treatment
|antivirus therapy
Themes
medicine
|health
|biology
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Researchers are testing a new antivirus that targets several strains of the flu.
- The team hopes their synthetic antivirus will be effective against future outbreaks.
- Developing a safe and affordable antivirus can take many years of clinical trials.
Learner examples
- Scientists want to make an antivirus for this new disease.
- The doctor explained how the antivirus works in the body.
- The company is working on an antivirus to stop the virus from growing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
antivirus
IPA
GB/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs/
US/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs/
Syllables & stress
an - ti - vir - us (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (vir)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: antivirus
- Plural: antivirus, antiviruses
Word family
Expressions
antivirus protection
1/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs pɹətˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
security from viruses via software
The safety your computer has because of antivirus software.
Examples
- The basic plan includes antivirus protection for up to three devices.
- Without antivirus protection, your personal data is at higher risk.
antivirus software
1/ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
software that protects a computer
Computer software that protects your device from viruses and other bad programs.
Examples
- Good antivirus software can stop many online attacks.
- Most new laptops come with antivirus software pre-installed.
install antivirus software
1/ɪnstˈɔl ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
put antivirus on a device
To add antivirus software to your computer, phone, or tablet so it can protect the device.
Examples
- You should install antivirus software before browsing unknown websites.
- IT will install antivirus software on all new company phones.
run an antivirus scan
1/ɹˈʌn ən ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs skˈæn/
fixed phrase
technical
use antivirus to check a device
To use your antivirus program to look for viruses on your computer or phone.
Examples
- If your computer is acting strangely, run an antivirus scan.
- I run an antivirus scan every night while I’m not using my PC.
update your antivirus
1/ʌpdˈeɪt jˈʊɹ ˌæntaɪvˈaɪɹəs/
fixed phrase
technical
keep antivirus current
To get the newest version of your antivirus program so it can find new viruses.
Examples
- Remember to update your antivirus regularly to stay protected.
- The message keeps telling me to update my antivirus before I go online.