antitussive
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌæn.tɪˈtʌs.ɪv/
KK: /ˌæntiˈtʌsɪv/
adjective
Definition
Able to help stop or reduce coughing.
Example
The doctor prescribed an antitussive to help with my persistent cough.
Conversation
I’ve been coughing a lot lately and it’s really annoying.
Have you tried any antitussive medicine to help with that?
No, I haven’t, but I might need to get some soon.
Definitely! It can really help suppress the cough.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cough-suppressing
soothing
calming
Antonyms
irritating
stimulating
aggravating
noun
Definition
A substance that helps to reduce or suppress coughing.
Example
The doctor prescribed an antitussive to help relieve my persistent cough.
Conversation
I've been coughing a lot lately, and it's really annoying.
Have you tried taking an antitussive? It might help.
I haven't, but that sounds like a good idea.
Root Explanation
Antitussive is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "tussis" (meaning cough, from Latin). The word describes a substance that works against coughing.
Memory Tip
Think of 'anti-' meaning against and 'tussis' meaning cough — that's why antitussive refers to something that helps stop a cough.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.