'antidote' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antidotum,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'dotos' meant 'given.'

'antidotum' transformed into the Old French word 'antidote,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antidote' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a remedy given against poison,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a remedy or countermeasure.'