Definition

A type of medicine that helps relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of a substance called histamine in the body.

Example

She took an antihistamine to help with her hay fever symptoms.

Conversation

I can't believe how bad my allergies are acting up today.

Have you taken any antihistamine yet?

Not yet, but I should probably grab some from the pharmacy.

Definitely! It really helps to relieve those symptoms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antihistamine is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "histamine" (from Greek "histaminē", meaning tissue). The word refers to a substance that works against histamine, which is involved in allergic reactions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'histamine' being a substance related to tissue reactions — that's why antihistamine is something that works against tissue reactions like allergies.

Visually Confused Words