🛡️ A security tool 🛡️ Stops harmful software

antimalware

1 3.4

To find, stop, and remove harmful programs on computers and networks

adjective
/ˌæntiˈmælˌwɛr/

Specialized

: antimalware

Blocking execution and Autorun on removable devices is a must-have in an antimalware solution.

Examples

Many users rely on antimalware software to protect their devices from online threats.
To ensure your computer remains safe, it's important to have an antimalware program installed.
Before connecting to the internet, make sure your antimalware settings are activated.

Synonyms

antivirus

vsantimalware

Specialized

5 3.4

Designed to stop, find, or remove computer viruses on your computer

covers all kinds of malicious software rather than only viruses

anti-virus program

vsantimalware

Specialized

2 2.9

A tool that finds and removes harmful software from a computer

covers malicious software on computers and networks not just viruses

How Protective

security system

Specialized

1 3.5

antimalware

Specialized

1 3.4

antivirus

Specialized

5 3.4

Surface Forms

antimalware positive

Morphology

antimalware = malware (transparent) = anti + malware

The meaning is directly compositional: 'anti-' indicates opposition or prevention, and 'malware' names malicious software.

Etymology

Antimalware combines anti- (meaning 'against', as in antibiotic) and malware (meaning 'bad software'). So, an antimalware tool is software meant to stop, find, or remove harmful programs on a computer.