Antivaxxer is a term that has gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing number of people who refuse to vaccinate themselves or their children. This term is often used to describe individuals who are against vaccination, and it has become a controversial topic in the medical community. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antivaxxer, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
An antivaxxer is a person who opposes vaccination, either for themselves or for their children. They believe that vaccines are harmful and can cause serious health problems, including autism, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Antivaxxers often rely on misinformation and conspiracy theories to support their views, and they may refuse to vaccinate their children even when it is required by law.
Origin
The term antivaxxer is a relatively recent addition to the English language, and it first appeared in the early 2000s. It is derived from the word vaccine, which comes from the Latin word vacca, meaning cow. Vaccines were originally developed to protect against smallpox, a disease that was transmitted from cows to humans. The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner in 1796, and it was made from cowpox virus.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of antivaxxer is consistent across different dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, an antivaxxer is “a person who opposes vaccination or laws that mandate vaccination.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a person who opposes vaccination, typically on the grounds that it is harmful or unnecessary.”
Associations
Antivaxxers are often associated with conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. They may believe that vaccines are part of a government or pharmaceutical industry plot to control the population, or that they are linked to autism or other health problems. Antivaxxers may also be associated with alternative medicine and natural remedies, as they may prefer to use these methods instead of vaccines.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for antivaxxer, including vaccine skeptic, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine refusal. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe individuals who are against vaccination.
Antonyms
The antonyms of antivaxxer are pro-vaccine, vaccine advocate, and vaccine supporter. These terms describe individuals who believe in the safety and efficacy of vaccines and who encourage others to get vaccinated.
The same root words
The root word of antivaxxer is vaccine, which comes from the Latin word vacca, meaning cow. Other words that share this root include vaccinate, vaccination, and vaccine-preventable.
Example Sentences
- The antivaxxer movement has gained momentum in recent years, despite overwhelming evidence of the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
- Some antivaxxers believe that vaccines are part of a government conspiracy to control the population.
- The rise of antivaxxers has led to outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.
- It is important to counter the misinformation spread by antivaxxers and encourage people to get vaccinated.
- The medical community has a responsibility to educate the public about the benefits of vaccines and to address the concerns of antivaxxers.