What does the prefix 'anti' signify?

The prefix 'anti' signifies opposition or resistance. It comes from Greek and is commonly used in various terms to indicate that something is against or opposed to something else. For example, 'antibiotic' refers to a substance that works against bacteria, and 'antivirus' refers to software that protects against virus threats. The use of 'anti' highlights a conflict or counteraction, making it clear that the term denotes not just neutrality but active opposition. This understanding is fundamental in fields such as medicine, politics, and even environmental science, where the concept of combating or resisting is often applicable.